I was lucky to receive a bar of Ivory soap complimentary to review from Ivory and Influenster as a participant in the Mom VoxBox campaign.
Have you tried Ivory Soap before? Here is what it is and can do:
Ivory bar soap is 99.44% pure (it floats!). Beyond using it as a body cleanser, many of Ivory’s loyal users – not to mention a few celebrities – swear by Ivory as their beauty secret. In fact, many consumers use Ivory bar soap as a facial cleanser. It provides healthier, smoother and more even-looking skin. Also, its versatility makes it an effective laundry soap (just chip soap flakes into the washer) as well as a spot stain remover on your clothes (including delicate items). Ivory bars can even be used for a fun soap carving project with the family!
Ivory Bar Soap 10 Pack
This soap is so versatile! I used it to wash my makeup brushes. It got them very clean and it is so important that it is pure since I use the brushes on my face!
I also placed it in the microwave for about a minute and it foamed up. You can then mold it or just use it to wash clothes or makeup brushes. Super fun for the kids.
Of course it is great for washing face and body. My daughter has eczema and it is comforting to know that the Ivory won’t irritate her skin.
Ivory Body Wash
You can also purchase Ivory Body Wash. I have not tried it yet, but I am sure it is fabulous!
A 10-pack of Ivory bar soap retails for around $4.49 (bath bar size) and is available at a mass market retailer near you. The body wash is approximately $3.99.
If you haven’t heard of Yves Rocher, it’s a French originated company that created botanical skin care, body care, fragrance and makeup.
I was sent some products from the company to test, and have really been enjoying them. Many of these products are very affordable and are of great quality! Some of my favorite Yves Rocher summer products are:
Yves Rocher Mango Passion Fruit Smoothie Shower
Yves Rocher Mango Passion Fruit Smoothie Shower Gel ($10 for 13.5 oz) — My daughters LOVED this shower gel (past tense because it was gone in a week). The reason why is becasue this mango and passion fruit concoction smells delicious. It smelled just like real fruit and lathered up nicely so that we could also use it as bubble bath! Yum!
Yves Rocher Eau de toilette Monoï
Yves Rocher Eau de toilette Monoï ($32 3.3 oz) — One sniff of this and I was transported back to Hawaii — and I haven’t been there since my honeymoon over 20 years ago! Tiare and Ylang Ylang flowers are combined with a Vanilla base, and it is sweet, light and lovely. Vacation in a bottle! They also sell this scent in a body oil, but my teenage daughter took that for her dry legs, and I haven’t seen it since…
Yves Rocher Pearly Water
Yves Rocher Pearly Water ($10 1 oz) — Pearly and lightly scented skin all at once! Experience an immediate feeling of freshness with this slightly gelled, pearly water. This can be used on the face and body. Its fine-textured, golden pearly particles subtly add shimmer to your complexion. Perfect for instantly enhancing your tan!
Yves Rocher Duo Kohl Pencil – Tropical
Duo Kohl Pencils ($6 USD) Highlight your eyes with these Duo Kohl Pencils, which combine two trendy colors. Each pair comes with one radiant iridescent color (Pink Gold or Camel) to enlarge and brighten your eyes and one intense, matt color (Purple or Tropical Khaki) to structure your eyes and give them depth. Mix and match the colors to create hot new looks!
I have the Tropical pencil that is Camel — a shimmery gold — on one end and Tropical Khaki — a dark blue-green on the other end. I love this. The camel is great for the corners of my eyes and lining the inner rims to create a wide-awake look. The Tropical Khaki is gorgeous for enhincing the eyes and looks great with summer colors.
Yves Rocher Shimmering Bronzer
Yves Rocher Shimmering Bronzer ($10 USD) A tanned complexion for the summer! This shimmering bronzer is this summer’s must-have for a natural and radiant tan. Apply with a brush to enhance or intensify your bronzed complexion. This is also a lovely highlighter for darker complexions! So pretty!
Yves Rocher Lip Gloss – Sienna Red
Lip Gloss in Sienna Red ($5 USD) Luscious lips for the summer! Irresistible lips with this yummy-scented gloss. And the color? I am not a fan of red for me, but this shimmery red is beautiful and would be great with a neutral or a smoky eye. It also feels great on and is not sticky — AWESOME!
Happy Memorial Day! This is the unofficial start of Summer. I am writing this at 5 pm in Kansas City and it is 91 degrees. My family and I went to a lake this morning to splash in the water and then my girls went swimming again this afternoon — so it is certainly time to get the hot weather beauty products out! Here are some of my faves:
Lavanila Healthy SPF Collection
Lavanila Healthy SPF Collection: Get the complete coverage you need with Lavanila’s Healthy SPF Collection. These 100% natural products are made with a new generation of mineral sunscreens for superior UVA/UVB protection. Free of harsh chemicals, synthetic sunscreens and nano-particles, all formulas are fragrance-fee and infused with a superior complex of skin-saving vitamins, minerals and amino acids. The collection includes The Healthy Sunscreen SPF 30 Body Cream, The Healthy Sunscreen SPF 40 Face Cream and The Healthy Lip Screen SPF 30. Price: $16 to $38 at www.lavanila.com.
Venus Embrace Razor
Gillette Venus Embrace — $9.99 — $11.99 USD for the refillable razor, two cartridges, and a shower pod to hold the razor in the shower and $13.49 – $14.99 USD for a four-pack cartridge refills. This razor now comes with a new purple and turquoise handle and has five, yes FIVE, blades for an perfectly smooth and close shave. I love this razor! The head swivels and hugs every curve. This would be perfect for the summer when we wear way less clothes!
tarte Amazon bronze Amazonian clay & annatto body bronzer
tarte Amazon bronze Amazonian clay & annatto body bronzer ($37 USD) — Achieve a faux glow, naturally, with the new Amazonian clay and annatto-infused body bronzer in universally flattering Amazon bronze. This is a lovely light bronzer, but it is a bit sparkly, so I suggest to use it on legs and arms — especially at night! . Directions: Using the included body puff, blend bronzer into skin making sure to pay special attention around knees, ankles and elbows. Add one coat for a subtle bronze, or 2-3 coats for deeper color. Occasionally rinse body puff with a mild antibacterial soap and let dry overnight.
Burt’s Bees Refreshing Lip Balm with Pink Grapefruit ($3 USD) Give your lips a kiss. This juicy lip balm is made with nutritious, tropical Pink Grapefruit Seed Oil, bursting with powerful vitamins. Refresh your lips with a sweet hint of citrus.
• Nourishes with Vitamin C and E from Pink Grapefruit Seed Oil • Delicious citrus flavor • Softens and conditions lips
Available at www.burtbees.com and at mass market retailers near you.
Skinnygirl Mommy Cool Your Feet Spray
Skinnygirl Mommy Cool Your Feet Spray ($7.89 USD) — Cool your achingly tired feet by misting them with soothing essential ingredients such as cucumber, aloe and peppermint for a revitalizing burst of freshness. Feet feel instantly refreshed and pampered!
Key Ingredients:
Aloe – Used to moisturize and soften skin
Peppermint Oil – Energizes and cools while helping to sooth common foot irritants
Cucumber Extract – Used to sooth and relieve puffiness
Pantene Normal-Thick Hair Solutions Keratin Protection Crème ($6.29 USD) is formulated to help keep hair strong to protect hair’s natural keratin structure from damage. The result is strong, healthy hair with fewer split ends.
I can tell that this works. After a few uses, my hair has looked shinier and it does appear that I have less split ends. My teenage daughter uses this on her hair that has been damaged from straighteners and blue hair dye — and it really does make her hair look healthier.
You can purchase this at mass market retailers near you.
It’s time to lighten and brighten up your makeup for the warmer months! Some of the following products are new — and some just new to me — but all are lovely for the summer!
Essence Sun Club Bronzer
Essence Sun Club Bronzing Powder ($3.99 USD) — This is a gorgeous matte bronzer that can be used on face or body — it comes in a nice large compact. To apply, you can use the NEW essence powder brush ($3.49 shown above), and sweep the bronzing powder in blonde or brunette ($3.99) to the hollows of the cheek – making sure to follow through with your stroke and blend the matte color up to temples and slightly into the hairline. Also, don’t forget to brush a little on your forehead and down to the jawline. I love me some contouring! Also, I have the brunette and even though my skin tone is light, the color was not too dark. If you need more color, layer.
Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics Luminous Crème Blush ($27 USD) Give cheeks a burst of color and radiance with this cream-textured blush. The oil-free formula combines a shimmering glow with sheer, long-wearing color. Wear as a cheek color or highlighter, or layer with powder blushes for extra vibrancy.
For the Spring, there are two new shades:
Plum Satin — a rose-berry shade with a hint of shimmer.
Pink Cashmere — a lively, matte carnation pink.
I have the Plum Satin, and it is so gorgeous! Easy to blend and a beautiful light shade on.
IT Cosmetics Vitality Lip Flush Anti-Aging Lipstick Stain
Vitality Lip Flush Anti-Aging Lipstick Stain ($20 USD) takes the place of your lipstick, anti-aging conditioning lip balm, ultra-hydrating lip gloss, and your lip stain! This truly innovative formula contains Hydra-Luxe Technology including ingredients such as plum oil, cherry oil, shea butter, aloe, and jojoba that all work together to treat, hydrate, condition, and nourish your lips. It minimizes the appearance of lip lines and wrinkles. Plus, this lip flush is packed with anti-oxidants including acai, green tea, white tea, and vitamins A, C, and E to fight free-radical attack.
I have tried this in Je Ne Sais Quois, a sheer pink flush shade that looks almost clear in the tube. It feels so moisturizing on and leaves your lips a pretty pink for hours. Finally — a moisturizing lip stain.
You can purchase this alone or in a set with one or two other colors at www.qvc.com.
If you are looking to splurge try, Ellis Faas Spring Gift Set ($85 USD). The set contains the Creamy Eyes E106, which is a lilac taupe – ideal to create a soft smokey eye. The lilac Light E304 can be used for amethyst-like sparkly highlights. And to complete our Spring Gift Set, Ellis chose the juicy, nude pink Milky Lips L207, which is a lovely combination with the eye products.
I love trying brand new cosmetic brands! This Spring was the exciting launch of ck one color cosmetics, a full line-up of over 130 products that all capture the core ck one brand DNA – authentic, confident, and cool.
This line of affordable designer cosmetics continues the recent expansion of ck one into a lifestyle brand, with jeans and underwear introduced under the name in 2011.
I have got to try a few of these products and generally LOVE them. The packaging is unique and fun and the products themselves are really cool!
Here is the description about the packaging. I think it is interesting:
ck one color packaging design furthers the code-breaking legacy of the ck one brand with an understated pill shape that’s iconic and edgy. the modern, minimalist packaging offers simplicity in a black and white silhouette, enhanced by a playful contrast of soft touch matte and high gloss finishes for a heightened sensory experience. designed for intuitive use, product applicators feature two-sided textures and multi-functionality to encourage individual creativity.
Some of my favorite products are:
ck one 3in1 foundation
3-IN-1 FACE MAKEUP SPF 8 ($30 USD) — this distinctive liquid synthesizes serum, primer and face makeup into one simple, lightweight formula. treated pigment technology with triple-layer amino acid that mimics skin for an effortlessly natural, radiant finish. no compromise on skin perfecting coverage. antioxidants protect skin, lasting up to 11 hours.
What I think: A very lightweight but full-coverage makeup, which is very cool. There are 8 shades available from very light to very dark, so something for everyone. I wear the light which is a perfect match for my skin. It applies very smoothly and melts into the skin. So nice!
ck one concealer
MOUSSE CONCEALER ($20 USD) — absolute flawlessness. air-whipped concealer delivers a natural, seamless finish that fully hides blemishes and imperfections, lasting up to 9 hours.
What I think — This blends extremely well. It only takes a few minutes to cover my under eye circles and blemishes. To apply, I dip a concealer brush into the pot and dot on my skin, then blend. Really great consistency, not too thick but provides full coverage.
ck one Mascara
MASCARA ($18 USD) — customize lash looks with a unique twist brush applicator. Select definition or volume with a twist of the cap in this all-in-one mascara.
What I think — Super-cool idea for mascara application. You can twist the top of the cap to make the wand shorter or longer. I make it short first, to thicken lashes, then I make it longer to separate and lengthen. It only takes 2 coats on each eye to make my lashes look extremely long and thick. The only thing that I don’t love is that it flakes towards the end of the day.
ck one eye shadow quad
POWDER EYESHADOW QUAD ($28 USD) — accentuate. illuminate. define. fun and youthful hues that can easily be applied wet or dry to create looks for day or night.
What I think — This is a gorgeous eye quad. This comes in 6 color combinations, but I have Disco, the purple palette that you see above. It is prettier in person, though. It has a glitter purple, a shimmer fuchsia, a matte burgundy and a pearly off-white. You can make lovely combos with this set.
Available exclusively at Ulta and Ulta.com. Enjoy!
Who doesn’t want hair care and bath products that smells good and are natural, too? Awaken your senses with Burt’s Bees new line that focuses on fragrances while continuing to use all natural ingredients (without parabens, petrochemicals, phthalates, and animal testing).
The products in the range are Nourishing Shampoo, Softening Conditioner, Body Wash, Body Butter, Body Lotion, Body Mist, Foaming Hand Wash and Hand Cream. The lovely scents are Floral Cherrynova, Orange Petalooza, Vanilla Flame and Pearanormal Activity.
Natural Nourishing Shampoo ($6.99, 12oz) This gentle shampoo cleanses hair naturally, for hair that says “touch me.”
Natural Softening Conditioner – ($6.99, 12oz) When you want your hair to behave, reach for this luscious conditioner to whip unruly strands into shape.
I tried these in the Floral Cherrynova. It’s a very bright scent, and very strong. The combo of shampoo and conditioner left my hair soft and manageable. I love that they are natural and affordable. I would try them in different fragrances.
Available at mass market retailers and learn more at www.burtsbees.com.
I have been trying lots of new Spring makeup! So much Fun! Some of the following eye products are new to me — blinc, rms beauty and Shiseido, and one I have tried before — Josie Maran — give them a try!
rms cream shadow in solar
rms beauty cream eye shadow ($28 USD) — create a very sheer refined metallic glow with all the benefits of raw mineral pigments without the dryness that occurs with minerals alone. They have a subtle, glossy, light reflecting quality that gives them a very unique finish, both modern and youthful. I have these in Solar, a warm gold shimmer and Karma, a rich, dark brown with a bit of silver shimmer. They are highly pigmented and last a long time. Solar is pretty to wear by itself, but add Karma to amp up the drama! Purchase at www.msbeauty.com.
Josie Maran Beautiful Eyes in Smoke
A fab natural makeup brand is from supermodel Josie Maran. Her palette Argan Beautiful Eyes ($36 USD) features four eye shadows and one shadow liner expertly coordinated to offer the ultimate range of customized looks. These naturally formulated shadows are richly infused with Argan Oil and a blend of floral and fruit extracts resulting in soft and nutrient rich textures including iridescent, matte, and satin finishes. The palette includes easy-to-follow instructions that make beautiful lids simply effortless. Available in Beautiful Smoke, Beautiful Blues, Beautiful Nudes, Beautiful Purples. I have Beautiful Smoke and it is very versatile. You can achieve a natural look with the lighter colors or go full smoke and use the darker shades. Visit www.josiemarancosmetics.com to learn more and purchase.
Shiseido Perfect Mascara Full Definition
Shiseido Perfect Mascara Full Definition ($24 USD) — is new for spring and has an exceptional formula and brush that captures every single lash for an opulent and lustrous finish, that maintains a just-applied 16 hour glamorous look. The dual-textured brush coats every lash while the firm tip captures even tiny lashes to add remarkable volume, separation and length. Its non-clumping formula allows for multiple, smooth coats. Available in Black and Brown at www.Shiseido.com.
Blinc Cosmetics Eyebrow Mousse
Once applied, blinc Eyebrow Mousse™ ($25 USD) fills in sparse areas to create the perfect brow line that cannot fade, run, or smudge, even if you sweat or wear it in harsh weather conditions. Get ready for beautiful, face-framing brow color that lasts all day long, unlike traditional eyebrow products that disappear half way through your busy day.
In addition to the unparalleled hold of blinc Eyebrow Mousse™, the innovative product also contains a peptide to moisturize and provide anti-aging treatment to the skin beneath your brow. Not only will you have perfectly colored brows, but you will also be treating your skin at the same time! At the end of the day, blinc Eyebrow Mousse™ is easily removed, only when you are ready, with any gentle makeup remover.
I like this eyebrow mousse. It is easy to use, but be careful, I have put on too much before and have accidentally thickened my brows — and they are plenty thick already! It stays on until you take it off and does not smear or smudge! Purchase at www.blincinc.com.
Did you know that the most common blends that you’ll see your colorist mix when at the salon are NOT the ones you’ll find on the shelf for at-home color? Well, the John Frieda® Hair Care experts have been working to fix this problem… enter the New Precision Foam Colour Salon Blends!
“When my clients come into the salon, I use colors from a professional shade palette to create exclusive blends customized to their skin tone and desired color,” explains John Frieda® Creative Colour Director Nicola Clarke. “The shades I create shades are hugely popular because you typically can’t get them in home hair color —it takes a professional to blend the basic tones expertly. I worked with John Frieda® Hair Care to share some of the most popular, flattering blends I create at the salon, transforming them into shades of Precision Foam Colour.”
The five new colors include:
Dark Caramel Blonde (Natural/Beige/Gold)
Dark Cool Pearl Blonde (Pearl/Beige/Natural)
Lightest Cool Almond Brown (Pearl/Beige/Natural)
Light Bronze Brown (Natural/Beige/Copper)
Light Amber Brown (Natural/Beige/Gold)
I have dark brown hair (my color is 4BG — Dark Chocolate Brown), but I would recommend these blends, just from the fact that this is fab home hair color. It evenly colors hair (no weird off-color patches) and leaves hair shiny and gorgeous! It covers pesky grays well, too!
Each cost $12.99 and can be found at food, drug and mass retailers nationwide. Enjoy!
Fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes are one of the most telling signs of aging. Eye cream is one product I apply every day to keep away the wrinkles!
AVON ANEW GENICS Eye Treatment
AVON’s new Genics’ line has just release a pretty terrific eye creme called Eye Treatment. The details are:
Genics Eye Treatment ($36 USD) contains Youthgen™ Technology is designed to help skin cells act younger.** Undo up to 10 years from the look of your eyes.* Diminishes the appearance of fine wrinkles and fine crow’s-feet. Eye area feels re-energized and restores the look of youthful brilliance, remarkable smoothness, definition and elasticity.* Use AM and PM in place of your eye cream. .5 oz. net wt. *Based on a consumer-perception study of women 45-59. **Based on testing in skin cells.
What I think: The first time I tried this cream a few weeks ago, I noticed an instant change in the skin under my eyes. It was firm and smooth, which is unusual to see so quickly after starting using a new eye product.
I use it twice a day now, and love it! It is as good as any high-end eye cream I have tried. My skin is firmer and fine lines are much less noticeable. I highly recommend this for the price and quality!
Reviewing fragrances is cool because even if it isn’t something that I would normally wear, I know someone will love it!
But, I still haven’t decided it I love the new Roberto Cavalli perfume or not…here are the details, what do you think?
The Roberto Cavalli ($85 USD 2.5 oz) perfume belongs to the ambery floral family. The artistic line of the Roberto Cavalli bottle recalls the voluptuous curves of a sensual woman. Crowned by a tiara-shaped cap formed by Roberto Cavalli’s golden seal, the bottle is adorned with a tiger-print necklace reminiscent of its creator’s emblematic animal prints.
TOP: Pink Peppercorn
MID: Orange Flower Absolute
BASE: Roasted Tonka Beans
The bottle is gorgeous, classic but not too plain. I love the shape of it. The scent is a lot sweeter than what I usually wear, but the notes of pink peppercorn and tonka beans give it a sultry finish.
You can check this out at a department or specialty store near you and let me know what you think!
Forty, Flirty & Fabulous 