Bath and Home Fragrance Ideas For Mom!

Avon Naturals Banana & Coconut Milk Hydrating Shampoo ($4.00 — $1.99 on sale, 8.4 fl. oz) — I love this extremely moisturizing shampoo. It makes my hair so soft and smells amazing! There is also a conditioner, body lotion, body spray and other bath products that you can purchase from the Naturals line.  Place a selection together in a basket for Mom. She will love it!   To purchase visit  www.youravon.com/brittbowman.

Antica Farmacista 100 mL Home Ambiance Diffusers ($25.00 USD). A miniature version of the signature product in the collection, these diffusers are a unique and beautiful way to fragrance and decorate your home. The delightful fragrances permeate the air through the bottles’ open neck and white birch reeds that are inserted to further diffuse the scent. Simply uncork the bottle and place the reed bundle into the neck. You can enhance the scent by inverting the reeds every few days or as desired. The fragrance will infuse the air and provide a lasting and beautiful scent without ever being overpowering! This petite size is available in thewse Antica scents: Acqua; Ala Moana; Champagne; Grapefruit; Green Fig; Lemon, Verbena & Cedar; Magnolia, Orchid & Mimosa; No. 11; Orange Blossom, Lilac & Jasmine; Sakura; Sandalwood Amber; Santorini; and Vanilla, Bourbon & Mandarin.  They are available at www.AnticaFarmacista.com.

bodycology® Warm & Cozy Sock Set ($4.99 USD) is a delightfully thoughtful gift set for mom that includes a 2oz body cream, 2oz body mist and a pair of cozy socks. The sock set is available in a variety of soothing and uplifting fragrances that will indulge her senses, such as Sweet Petals, Cherry Blossom, White Gardenia, Cucumber Melon, Sunshine Daisy and Brown Sugar Vanilla. You can Purchase this at Walmart stores or www.walmart.com.

Treat Mom to a New Scent For Mother’s Day

Here is a trio of new fragrances that would be perfect to give mom for Mother’s Day. They are all light and fruity and are gorgeous for warmer weather: 

CLEAN Limited-EditionSummer Escape Eau de Parfum ($49.00 USD): — Enjoy a sensory experience inspired by the relaxed freedom of sun-kissed skin, cloudless sky and endless sea; Summer Escape envelops the body in layers of fresh, citrusy notes (Mandarin Orange, Summer Peony, Orange Flower, Driftwood, Coconut Water) to transport you to the beach in an instant. CLEAN products are available at Sephora stores and www.cleanperfume.com

Beyoncé Heat Rush ($59 for 3.4 fl oz.: Department stores nationwide) — Beyoncé Heat Rush instantly captures attention with sparkling top notes of passion fruit, blood orange and Brazilian cherry. The heart of the fragrance embodies a delicate floral bouquet and is built upon a carefully blended combination of Yellow Tiger Orchid, Mango Blossom and Orange Hibiscus. Subtle and alluring, the unforgettable base engages with hints of teak wood, honey amber and a musk accord that is inspired by the sunsets in Brazil.

Komen for The Cure Promise Me fragrance infuses the essence of Komen’s promise to end breast cancer into a scent that truly benefits and brings hope to those suffering from the disease. Developed by Drom fragrances and famed perfumer Jean Claude Delville, Promise Me speaks to strong, courageous women who live life to the fullest. The sophisticated floriental opens with a fresh burst of mandarin, bergamot, and blood orange. Its feminine heart evokes softness and beauty with pink peony, wild orchid, and rosewood. The scent lingers on white patchouli and musk for a warm, sensual finish. Designed by Chad Lavigne and housed in an elegant glass vessel with interior floral motif, Promise Me is a stunning display item and gift.

Eau de Parfum 100 ml $59.00 (Dillard’s, Lord & Taylor, Boscov’s, Sephora in JC Penney and HSN.Com) Eau de Toilette 100ml $29.99 (promisemefragrance.com,) Eau de Toilette 30ml $19.99 (promisemefragrance.com.)

Instantly Whiten Teeth With Luster NOW

Luster NOW

Luster has just announced the debut of a revolutionary new way to instantly whiten your teeth at home.  Luster Premium White, which offers a collection of at-home whitening products, has come up with a solution unlike anything available – Luster NOW Instant Whitening Toothpaste  ($9.99 USD)  for a fast fix to the white smile you have been dreaming about.

Power up your smile with an instantly white, dazzlingly solution that lasts for hours – perfect before a night on the town, a first date or a party! Dentist developed and perfect for everyday use, Luster NOW is infused with Bluverite™ technology that instantly makes teeth appear whiter with just one brushing. This revolutionary ingredient delivers a special optical effect to make teeth appear instantly white for hours. In addition to the instant whitening effect, the toothpaste uses Luster’s whitening power to gradually whiten smile over time. After brushing with Luster NOW the Bluverite technology may make teeth and gums appear slightly blue, but this will disappear after a few minutes to reveal a white smile!

Directions: Brush teeth thoroughly with Luster NOW following meals or twice daily. If excessive blue appears on teeth or gums simply swish with water to reveal your dazzling smile.

What I think: I have never tried anything like this before. It is like makeup for your teeth, with added benefits of long-term whitening. You brush it on and your teeth are instantly whiter — I would say a few shades. I also love how the whitening powder is brightening my teeth over time as well. Very cool. This is very affordable and you get three 1.5 oz toothpastes that you can take anywhere. 

Luster NOW is available at Walgreens nationwide. Enjoy!

Luminess Tan — A Flawless Tan Made Easy

Luminess Tan

I don’t use tanning beds and I use a high SPF in the sun. But, I do love a nice tan in the warmer seasons. A tan not only looks healthy, it helps simplify my makeup routine. I have tried a lot of self tanners and no matter what I do, I end up looking a little streaky, and sometimes orange!

I have never tried spray tanning, but was excited to try the Luminess Air Airbrush Tanning — which is kind of like spray tanning at home. This tanning system gives you a sensational tan in the convenience and privacy of your own home without damage or odor! Featuring SoftTan™ Technology for a Natural Even Tan everytime!

Airbrush tanning is not a dye. The primary ingredient in the tanning solution works with the amino acids in the top layer of your skin to produce a natural tan exactly like the sun, but without damaging skin! Luminess airbrush tanning formula won’t run off on your clothes, once the tan is set. Tan lasts up to 14 days and fades gently day by day, as you would expect from a normal sun-blessed tan! Also Luminess tanning solution produces a golden brown color – no orange discoloration insight!

Airbrush tanning uses a precision stylus instrument a little larger than the size of a pen that allows for a smooth, flawless application. Special care is easy in difficult areas, such as the feet, knees, elbows, hairline and face!

Luminess Airbrush Tanning system is also great for spot tanning! Wearing a skirt and want tanned legs? Easy! Give them a light spray and you’re good to go! You can spot tan your legs, arms, shoulders, chest and or face for radiant healthy glow in minutes!

Luminess Airbrush Tanning System ( includes:

  • Compressor
  • Airbrush Stylus
  • Intake Cap (2)
  • Rubber Air Hose
  • AC Power Adapter
  • Tanning Solution (2 bottles which should give you up to 6 full body tanning sessions!)
  • Cleaning Bottle
  • Carrying Case
  • Detailed Instructions
  • Getting Started DVD

What I Think: This is so easy to use. It takes a minute to set up, but once it’s ready, I use the stylus to spray all over. It is a really seamless look. I only get splotches when I spray one area for too long, but that doesn’t happen after getting the hang of it and it’s easy to spot and blend in. The color of the tan is brown, very natural and not at all orange. Gorgeous!

To learn more and purchase visit www.luminessspraytan.com. Enjoy your fab tan!

In Honor Of Earth Day, Try A Natural Beauty Product

These days there are so many fantastic natural products for face, hair and body these days. In honor of Earth Day 2011, here are some suggestions for great ones to try:

Lavera Natural Liquid Foundation ($20.00 USD) — This hydrating foundation blends easily and hides imperfections, creating a porcelain-smooth canvas. Free-radical fighting argan oil, organic blossom butter and vitamins A, C and E protect, rejuvenate and nourish skin. This product is vegan. www.lavera.com

EOS Everyday Hand Lotion ($3.99 USD, drugstores near you, www.evolusionofsmooth.com) — Leave your skin feeling touchably soft for hours with this natural, fast-absorbing hand lotion. Designed to fit in your purse, your pocket, or on your desk, eos looks as good as it feels on your skin. Infused with moisturizing shea butter, oat extract, and a generous helping of antioxidants and vitamins C and E, eos hand lotion will leave your skin feeling soft, supple and radiantly healthy long after you apply it. This 97% natural formula is paraben-free, phthalate-free, lanolin-free, dye-free, dermatologist tested and hypoallergenic.

Ultra Rich Lip Balm ($19 at www.clarksbotanicals.com) – As if natural moisturizers like Shea Butter, Aloe Leaf Extract, Jojoba and Sweet Almond Oil were not enough, this lip balm also features Marine Collagen Microspheres that act like miniature water reservoirs. Together, these ingredients deliver intense, long-lasting hydration. Vanilla Planifolia and Jasmine Extracts add a delectable flavor that will have you re-applying—even when you don’t need to. It’s also a great lipstick primer, preventing feathering.

All of the products in Clark’s Botanicals (www.clarksbotanicals.com) feature Jasmine Absolute, a precious essential oil derived from nocturnally blooming flowers. Naturally antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and immuno-stimulating, this extract works to calm, balance and heal a broad spectrum of skin types, from young to mature, oily to dry, and normal to sensitive.  “Clark’s Botanicals is an organic part of me and my recovery,” says founder Francesco Clark, “everything about this line has a purpose and reason for being, from the ingredients to the packaging to the contribution to medical research, it’s an expression of who I am in its purest form.”

Genuinely natural from head to toe, the Davines Authentic Collection ($26-46 at www.davines.com for salon locations) contains the first and only hair care products designed not only for hair, but also face and body. Gentle enough for even the most delicate skin and effective enough to thoroughly cleanse and condition hair, the breakthrough Authentic collection features 98% to 100% naturally-derived ingredients. The four-product collection trades in synthetics like SLS, SLES, sulfates, parabens, artificial colors, silicons, mineral oils, PEG and etoxilates for sustainable formulations including biodegradable surfactants and organically cultivated actives like shea butter and sesame, jojoba, sunflower and carthame oils.

Other great brands to check out are Josie Maran, tarte and Korres for makeup, Jurlique for skin, Phyto for hair and Pacifica for fragrance — all available at Sephora. And of course ecoTOOLS for makeup brushes and bags. Enjoy shopping green!

Mineralogie — Achieve A Flawless Finish With Makeup That’s Good For Your Skin

Tired of using the same old mineral makeup. Try Mineralogie, which is made with the best pharmaceutical grade minerals available. Nourishment of the skin, sheer to complete coverage and, most important, total protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays is the philosophy of the brand.

For a flawless and non drying look, the Mineralogie 4 Piece Starter Kit — Choose the foundation shade that is right for you from one of Mineralogie’s seven most popular colors for your personal introduction to 100% mineral makeup. Each Starter Kit includes 3-grams of Mineralogie’s SPF 26 Loose Mineral Foundation (to match your complexion!), 1-gram of coordinating Loose Mineral Bronzer, 6-ml of our new Natural Cream Concealer, a personal size Makeup Brush plus, a Mineral Application Card! A $90.00 retail value for only $35.00. That’s over 60-days of makeup!! The perfect way to begin experiencing the flawless beauty of minerals. Available in 7 shades.

I like all of the products in this kit. The foundation is very pretty and doesn’t cake in pores. The color blends well with my skin color. I do think it is a bit too glowy for me and I need to dust a bit of matte translucent powder on top to tone down the shine. The concealer is very matte and works well.  Plus the bronzer is beautiful and not too shiny. For the price, this is a great deal!

From light to luscious our new Spring Quad Pressed Eye Shadow Compact ($38.00 USD) includes the must have colors for the season. Accentuate your spring wardrobe with Champagne, Mulberry, Fusion and Mango. The perfect springtime combination for a fresh, natural and irresistible look. 

These shades are very soft in the compact, but pack a lot of color and shimmer (which I love).  I am not a fan of glitter, but I think shimmery shadow is youthful in neutral shades like these. Perfect for spring!

Visit www.mineralogie.biz to learn more and to purchase. Enjoy!

TIGI Bed Head Style Shots Epic Volume Shampoo and Conditioner

Big hair is a hot trend this Spring. How to achieve the look? Start with adding volume with TIGI Bed Head Style Shots Epic Volume Shampoo & Conditioner.

For thick, voluptuous hair, start your styling in the shower. With volume boosting shots for gravity-defying root lift and incredible body, use Epic Volume Shampoo ($15.95 USD) and Conditioner ($16.95 USD), a new volume-enhancing product combination that primes your style while you wash. The super-charged, sulfate-free shampoo provides light to moderate cleansing and improves hair’s strength while preventing colour from fading, while the nourishing conditioner provides style memory while using a volume boosting shot to explode your style from root to tip.

I find that this delicious raspberry scented shampoo and conditioner not only volumize, but seem to thicken the hair all the way down to the roots.  As with all TIGI products, this is a luxurious experience and makes hair big, healthy and shiny! Add a little root volume spray and hair will be huge!

Available at www.tigihaircare.com and fine salons nationwide. Enjoy!

Great Idea For Spring Scents or Mother’s Day by Crabtree and Evelyn

Crabtree and Evelyn has introduced their Fine Floral Fragrance collection which features four modern single note scents available in personal fragrance, bath and body and home fragrances. The scents are:

LILY — The soft, spirited LILY fragrance is inspired by the delicate lily of the valley that flourishes in woodlands and country gardens throughout Europe. Calling to mind a beautiful spring morning in fresh-scented woods, this sparkling light green floral fragrance features a perfect single accord of lily of the valley surrounded by dewy greens, velvety mosses, and notes of hyacinth and ylang ylang.

LAVENDER — Crafted with a blend of the loveliest lavender grown in Europe, the uplifting LAVENDER is an aromatic fragrance that captures the refreshing spirit of summer in the countryside and the lavender harvest in Europe. This distinctive fragrance features fresh lavender bloom bouqueted with violet leaf, jasmine, exotic tonka bean, soft musk, and a touch of lemon leaf for a delicate, refreshing fragrance experience.

ROSEWATER –With some of the oldest rose gardens in England as inspiration, the classic ROSEWATER fragrance evokes the elegant essence of the hundred petal rose, a coveted scent through the centuries that is as captivating now as ever. This timeless fragrance features a blend of rose, violet, peony, fresh green foliage, and musk accords.

IRIS — The alluring IRIS fragrance pays homage to the Italian city of Florence and one of the most cherished ingredients in the world of perfumery today, the exquisite iris rhizome, which is at the heart of this exquisite modern floriental, and surrounded with soft, velvety accords of violet and jasmine. Top notes of natural Italian bergamot and cassis are added to the inviting base notes of exotic sandalwood, sensuous patchouli, fresh vetiver, natural cedarwood, and creamy musk to create a modern bouquet.

Some of my favorite products that you can purchase with the above scent of your choice are: 

Body Cream ($33.00 USD) — Pamper your skin with this exquisitely blended body cream infused with scent and formulated with moisturising shea butter along with rose hip and evening primrose oils, which are rich in essential fatty acids. Other features are:

  • A blend of grapeseed, jojoba, and wheat germ oils moisturise the skin.
  • Absorbs quickly and imparts a velvety feel to the skin.
  • Free of parabens, phthaletes, propylene glycol, and mineral oil.

I love the incredibly silky feel of this cream. It is very luxurious. Perfect for after a bath or shower, in the morning as a soft scent and in the evening before going out maybe layer it with the Eau De Toilette. Lovely!

Eau De Toilette ($45.00 USD) — Excellent for daytime as well as evening, our Eau de Toilette sprays provide a lighter skin-freshening fragrance experience in a wonderful range of exquisite scents.  

  • An airy, spirited fragrance that captures the freshness of a perfect spring day.
  • Can be sprayed on after bath or shower for a light, refreshing fragrance.
  • Free of parabens, phthaletes, propylene glycol, and mineral oil.

I have this in Lily and it is so pretty. It is fresh and smells like the patch of Lily of the Valley I have in my yard. The only thing that I would change is that the scent lasts a short time and needs to be reapplied frequently.

Lavender Poured Candle ($30.00 USD) — Create luxuriously fragrant moments with this beautifully designed candle scented with uplifting and refreshing Lavender.

  • Non-toxic and clean-burning cotton wick.
  • Contains natural vegetable waxes, including soy.
  • Total approximate burn time: 40 hours.

This is a perfect Mother’s Day gift. It has a long burning time of 40 hours and the scent is pure and makes the room smell amazing.

Iris Scented Drawer Papers ($23.00 USD) — Beautifully printed paper lines your drawers and gently scents your clothing with our exquisite iris fragrance.

  • Generously sized
  • Beautifully printed and fragranced
  • A lovely way to protect and delicately scent clothing

I love these! I have them in Iris and they are very fragrant. I lined my drawers, and now every time I remove a piece of clothing from the drawers, I get a whiff of the Iris. It is so nice — great idea!

Visit www.crabtree-evelyn.com for many more products in this line in a variety of prices. Perfect for mothers or yourself! Enjoy!

NeoStrata Skin Active Comprehensive Antiaging Regimen

NeoStrata Skin Active Comprehensive Antiaging Regimen
NeoStrata Skin Active Comprehensive Antiaging Regimen ($79.00 USD)
A comprehensive antiaging system of potent professional products with active benefit ingredients clinically proven to work synergistically to address all of the visible signs of aging.
  • Stimulate cell turnover to enhance skin texture and clarity while preparing the skin for optimal treatment benefits with an anti-aging facial cleanser with Gluconolactone and Maltobionic Acid
  • Repair skin’s matrix support structure and reduce the appearance of uneven pigment with a daytime moisturizer that firms, smoothes, and protects the skin with Peptides, NeoGlucosamine™ and Retinol
  • Target crow’s feet and puffiness with a multi-mechanistic approach that plumps the deep layers of the skin, smoothing lines and wrinkles from the inside out so the eye area appears more lifted
  • Restore skin’s essential cells, rebuild the deep skin matrix and reduce oxidative damage with a reparative night cream for skin that is firmer, more lifted and vibrant

“Since the effects of intrinsic aging and photodamage on skin are multi-factorial, no single ingredient can address them all”.

The NeoStrata SKIN ACTIVE system is made up of four high-performance products, each formulated to deliver outstanding rejuvenating effects, including significant improvement in the appearance of deep wrinkles, crow’s feet, sagging and uneven pigmentation. When used as a daily regimen, complementary mechanisms of action work synergistically in all skin layers to achieve even greater results. These products are:

1. Exfoliating Wash: Cleanses without irritation; formulated to stimulate cell renewal; lightly exfoliates without over drying to prepare skin for optimal treatment benefits.

2. Matrix Support SPF 20: Formulated to repair the matrix support structure, increase cell turnover and reduce the appearance of uneven pigment for firmer, smoother, more luminous skin. Includes three clinically proven technologies, each with a unique action, for greater skin repair and strengthening, along with a potent antioxidant complex to help protect against further damage to the skin matrix.

3. Cellular Restoration: Designed to synergistically restore skin’s essential cells, rebuild the deep skin matrix and reduce oxidative damage for skin that is firmer, more lifted and vibrant. Employs a multi-mechanistic approach to rejuvenating cellular function and strengthening skin’s underlying structure.

4. Intensive Eye Therapy: Builds and plumps the layers of delicate skin around the eye. The eye area appears more lifted and luminous, and crow’s feet are smoothed from the inside out. Caffeine helps deflate puffiness, while hyaluronic acid acts as a natural moisture magnet.

Developmental studies for NeoStrata SKIN ACTIVE show high efficacy, good tolerability and remarkable results. In Consumer Use Testing, users of the full regimen reported noticeable benefits beginning as early as 1 month and continuing through 3 and 6 months of use.

  • 93% observed smoother skin texture, more even skin tone, and less noticeable lines/wrinkles with regimen use
  • 86% reported smaller pore size and more lifted skin appearance
  • 93% preferred the SKIN ACTIVE regimen to their usual regimen

What I think: This is an interesting concept as a regimen. The steps are different than usual systems. After cleansing, I apply the Matrix Support, which has the texture like a moisturizer with SPF — then I apply the Cellular Restoration which feels like a serum, and is a bit greasy. It’s almost backwards. I have no problem do this at night, but I only use the Matrix Support in the day because I find it difficult to apply my makeup over the Cellular Restoration.  I do really love the eye cream as it soaks in instantly and plumps the skin up around my eyes.

I have only been using this for a few weeks, but I do see more even skin tone. To learn more and purchase, visit www.neostrata.com. Enjoy!

Protect Your Hair With JOICO K-PAK Color Therapy

JOICO’s K-PAK Color Therapy collection is a dual-benefit system that strengthens strands while doubling the life of color’s vibrancy.  The newest member of JOICO’s K-PAK “family,” well-known for deep-conditioning and hair reconstruction, K-PAK Color Therapy contains the revolutionary QuadraBond Peptide Complex.  This complex resurfaces and reconstructs hair to ensure that damaged strands maintain color intensity twice as long when compared to ordinary shampoo and conditioner.  At the same time, even the weakest, most fragile or structurally impaired hair feels softer, silkier and more manageable, and looks shinier and healthier.
 
The K-PAK Color Therapy Science
The QuadraBond Peptide Complex features four key elements that work together to help repair the outer surface and inner core of each strand.  As a result, hair is stronger, more “fit” and better able to repel the water that diminishes the intensity and vibrancy of haircolor.  These four elements provide essential protection to hair’s “B-Layer”—the hair’s first line of defense against damage—which is disrupted and compromised by environmental aggressors, styling and chemical services:

Quadramine PEP, the next generation of JOICO’s signature Quadramine conditioning complex, which contains peptides that attach themselves to damaged sites of hair to provide targeted, long-term repair.  Arginine, a consequential amino acid found naturally in the hair, which restores silkiness and shine.  Arginine works to strengthen the hair surface, equipping it to repel water, which in turn minimizes color loss/fading. AUnique Polymer System bonds to torn, lifted cuticles, thereby locking in color molecules and producing significant moisture and shine.
Ultra-hydratingAfrican Manketti Oil moisturizes and replenishes damaged hair, and provides lasting shine, vitality and softness to hair.
 
Thanks to this unique complex, K-PAK Color Therapy is poised to become the first choice for clients in search of a premium professional regimen that will protect and prolong their color “investments” and significantly improve the overall look and condition of their hair.
 
The unique, three-part K-PAK Color Therapy regimen is a complete color preservation and hair repair system:

K-PAK Color Therapy Shampoo ($13.95):  Gently cleanses while enhancing elasticity, strength, color vibrancy and shine.  The rich lather won’t disrupt the surface B-Layer, so color molecules are discouraged from escaping.
K-PAK Color Therapy Conditioner ($15.95):  This daily formula fortifies, reconstructs and strengthens as it protects color integrity.  It calms surface disruptions, and helps smooth, detangle and eliminate frizz.
K-PAK Color Restorative Styling Oil ($19.95):  This weightless formula is equally effective as a treatment and as a styling product.  Rich in an exotic blend of Manketti, Argan and Evening Primrose Oils, itseals and nourishes the hair cuticle, which discourages premature color fading.  As it helps regenerate hair, it also conditions hair for incredible softness and smoothness.  As a styling aid, it reduces styling and drying time and provides vibrant shine without weight or build-up.

What I think:  This is a pretty fantastic system. Using the shampoo and conditioner is a fab experience because they both make hair soft and easy to detangle when wet. I add a little of the styling oil when hair is damp, and once I dry it my hair is soft and sleek. The oil can also be used on dry hair to smooth. I have noticed that while using this my color is lasting and is very rich (my hair is dark).   
 
JOICO K-PAK Color Therapy is suitable for all hair types and is available at professional salons. Enjoy!