Tag: Shopping

Treat Aging Skin With Avon Anew Reversalist

There are SO many anti-aging skin care products on the market today, and it is really difficult to decide which one to use (if you can even afford them). Avon’s Anew Reversalist line is so much less expensive than most department store lines and works just as well. Here are the products that I tried recently:

Anew Reversalist Day Renewal Cream SPF 25 (1.7 fl. oz. Reg. $32.00, Sale $27.00) — Visibly reverses wrinkles with Activinol Technology while helping to protect skin with SPF 25 UVA/UVB. Makes skin look and feel reborn all day. Skin will look fresh, new and younger. The claim is that in 3 days: begins to reduce the look of wrinkles. In 2 weeks: improves discolorations by up to 25%. Over time: dramatically reduces the look of wrinkles and discolorations. Skin looks dramatically tighter..

Anew Reversalist Night Renewal Cream (1.7 fl. oz. Reg. $32.00, Sale $27.00) — Reactivate skin’s repair process to help reverse the look of wrinkles with Activinol Technology, working better together.Over 80% of people saw their wrinkles dramatically reversed. The claim: In 3 days, 73% of people said their skin felt and looked reborn. In 4 weeks, dramatically reduces the look of wrinkles and discolorations.

Anew Reversalist Illuminating Eye System (.09 oz. $30.00 USD) — Brightens even your darkest undereye area. Two-part eye system with Activinol Eye Technology. Helps reactivate skin’s repair processes and dramatically reverse visible wrinkles. Instantly: eye area appears more luminous.  First used the eye cream to visibly repair dark, circles, fine lines and wrinkles over time; next use the sheer veil that has potent skin brighteners. Illuminates undereye area instantly. Use after eye cream and reapply as needed.In 4 weeks: dramatically reduces the look of fine wrinkles.

I enjoyed using this line. The creams are light enough not to be greasy, but are very mosturizing. I really loved the eye cream/illuminizer duo. This is a nice treat for the eyes and makes you look younger instantly!

Visit www.youravon.com/brittbowman to learn more and purchase. Enjoy

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.

Mother’s Day Skin Care Gift Ideas

Moms need to take care of their skin, but sometimes they are too busy to shop for themselves or they are unsure of what to purchase.  Skin care is a fantastic gift for Mother’s Day — treat her to fab skin with one of these ideas:

pūr~lisse ageless & beautiful jet set starter kit ($58.00 USD) — On-the-go essentials for taking Chinese beauty rituals with you. Everything you need for youthful, radiant skin in petite packaging, perfect for first-time users and jetsetters. 14 days of TLC helps prevent wrinkles and fine lines, even for sensitive skin. It’s pure genius.

kit includes:

  • pūr~delicate gentle soy milk cleanser 1.7oz/50mL
  • pūr~youth preserve age~delay skin serum 0.35oz/10mL
  • pūr~moist hydra balance moisturizer 0.5oz/15mL
  • pūr~protect essential daily moisturizer 0.5oz/15mL
  • pūr~eye adore quadra benefit eye serum 0.1oz/3mL

Visit www.purlisse.com to learn more and purchase. This is a great way to try this line!

Mama Mio Neck and Jawline Concentrate ($45.00 USD): Keep the dreaded jiggly jowls and wobbly wattle at bay with Nexercise, a tightening, firming essential for softening jaw lines and recapturing strong, firm, taut, toned, fit skin. Specifically designed for the neck area; lightweight but hyper-moisturising, packed with collagen boosting, amino acids, firming proteins, vitamins and antioxidants AND peptide technology to smooth out crepe, plump up, mega-hydrate and strengthen giving you a firm neck and jawline.  Also included is a pamphlet with neck exercises.  Visit www.mamamio.com/us to learn more and purchase.

BORBA Age Defying Starter Kit ($25.99 USD) — Enjoy beautiful results when you use this simply effective, step-by-step starter kit from BORBA. Each scientifically developed formula is powered by BORBA’s own exclusive acai berry antioxidant blend. Skin is literally retexturized, nourished, protected and rehydrated at the cellular level. So with every use, you can cleanse, treat and hydrate your way to younger looking skin. 

This 5 piece kit has everything you need to start your BORBA regimen. The kit includes :

  • 4-in-1 Cleansing Treatment (1 fl. oz.)
  • Daily Hydrator SPF 30+ (0.5 fl. oz.)
  • Deep Repair Night Crème (0.5 fl. oz.)
  • Wrinkle Smoothing Serum (0.25 fl. oz.)
  • Eye Crème Concentrate (0.17 fl. oz.)

www.borba.com has more info and you can purchase. 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!

Love Your Skin By Using The Clarisonic Mia!

Clarisonic Mia

I have finally found the secret to making my skin look better — The Clarisonic Mia!

What’s a Clarisonic, you ask? The Clarisonic Skin Cleansing System uses a patented sonic frequency of more than 300 movements per second to clean, soften and smooth skin. In just 60 seconds, the micro-massage action removes 6X more makeup and 2X more dirt and oil than cleansing with your hands alone. Removing more dirt and oil from your pores also helps products work more effectively.

The smallest Sonic Skin Cleansing System, the one-button, one-speed Mia comes in a variety of colors and fits the active lifestyle – offering beautiful skin at home or on-the-go. When you purchase a Mia you get:

  • Cordless Clarisonic Mia
  • Compact pLink® International Charger
  • Sensitive Brush Head
  • 1 oz. trial size Gentle Hydro Cleanser

What I think:  I LOVE my Mia! It only takes a minute every morning and night and skin is instantly smoother and so soft! I have been using it for a few weeks and notice that my pores look smaller and my fine lines are way less noticeable.   I can tell that my skin is cleaner and that serums and moisturizesr are quickly absorbed into my skin. It is also a pleasure to use. Like a massaging spa treatment — very relaxing!

I have used it with lots of different cleansers including Clarisonic’s Gentle Hydro Cleanser (very moisturizing), but my favorite to use with it is Philosophy’s (www.philosophy.com) Purity Made Simple.  It is the perfect companion for the Clarisonic as it quickly dissolves makeup and cleans skin without stripping it. I highly recommend this duo!

Visit www.clarisonic.com to learn more or to purchase. Enjoy cleaner, softer and smoother skin!

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!

Perfect your Manicure With CND and Jason Wu

CND has the perfect product to get your hands and feet looking sexy this spring. Fashion designer Jason Wu is collaborating with runway manicure leader CND to introduce a limited edition Jason Wu Collection ($47.00 USD) that honors iconic women through wearable, timeless shades. The set will come with 4 Colours and 1 Effect that can be layered to achieve the designer’s effortless yet elegant nail styles.

“Every season I play with different ways of using color in my collection, so it was a natural choice to collaborate with CND on a capsule of nail colors that reflects my aesthetics. Included in the set is my signature gray color,” says Jason Wu.

The Shades Are:

Miss Wu – Jason’s signature limestone, warm gray that dries matte with subtle chrome sheen, in perfect harmony of masculinity and femininity

Brigitte – voluptuous warm pink that perfectly channels 50’s screen siren

Sophia – gorgeous mushroom taupe

Veronica – highlights the evolution of decadence with a blue-based, oxblood red

Anna Effect – layered over any of the four Colours provides a tweed finish via microscopic fibrous pieces that create cool, subtle texture

These colors are extremely classy and perfect for any outfit. The effect is interesting, but I like the polishes with out the effect. They are creamy and very opaque — you only need two coats.

SpaPedicure™ Marine Salt Scrub ($43.50 US 18 oz) — Physically exfoliates dead skin cells with minerals and sea salts and deeply conditions and softens skin with sunflower oil and vitamin E. The scrub leaves skin with a soft, luminous glow and does not leave a greasy residue. It contains mineral and Dead Sea Salt – provides effective yet gentle exfoliation and helps relieve inflammation when dissolved in water.

I used the scrub on my feet, legs and other rough spots like my elbows. It is extremely gentle but smooths skin and imparts great glow! It’s a perfect prep for the Jason Wu kit.

Visit www.cnd.com to learn more and purchase.