Revamp your beauty bag for summer with Amarte

As temperatures continue to rise and summer right around the corner, it’s time to switch up your skincare routine! One of my absolute favorite lines, Amarte, has come out with new products that keep skin hydrated, lessen wrinkles and protect from the sun’s damaging rays. Below are some of my must-haves for your summer beauty line-up.

Amarte Daily Wonder® Cleansing Foam ($40, AmarteSkinCare.com): A whipped-to-perfection cucumber-infused cleanser made to refresh all skin types, including oily and acne-prone complexions, this stuff purifies and perfects without over-drying. Formulated with a blend of natural antioxidants (including lavender and chamomile) and the botanical ActivElement® allatonin, the creamy lather lifts away impurities, protects against external irritants, brightens, soothes, rejuvenates and exfoliates skin, preparing it for hydration.

If you need a little extra exfoliation powder for hot days and hard workouts, Amarte Daily ExfoliPowder ($35, AmarteSkinCare.com) comes in powder form which is also perfect for travel.  This 2-in-1 Wonder Wash uses refined, plant seed-based exfoliants to remove dry dull skin and gently cleanse in this formula delicate enough for daily use. To activate, simply shake the powder onto hands, add water and lather into a creamy cleanser, then smooth over skin for an instant glow.

Amarte HydroLift® Cream ($65, AmarteSkinCare.com): Strong enough to help reduce wrinkles and aging lines, but light and soft enough to hydrate skin daily and replenish at any age, the silky, barely-there formula protects, while nano-encapsulated retinol and adenine fight to alleviate the skin of wrinkles with zero irritation. Use day and night, and you won’t see a single sign of irritation, redness or peeling. With indulgent caviar extracts and acacia collagens, the unique formula makes the skin brighter and is excellent for addressing dullness (aka lifesaver!).

 Amarte Natural Finish BB Cream ($55, AmarteSkinCare.com): I love sunscreens that don’t feel like sunscreen which is why this BB cream is a makeup bag staple. The finely pigmented moisturizing face tint brightens, softly conceals and protects with Broad Spectrum SPF 36 UVA/UVB protection, providing coverage without caking or flaking for a long lasting, natural glow. Formulated with refined particles of titanium dioxide, rare argan oil, elemental sulfur and caviar extracts, the BB cream brightens, hydrates, heals and exfoliates the skin.

 

Get an instant lift with Nerium AD

With my birthday right around the corner, I’ve gotten really serious about skincare. Vowing to never look a year older, my product routine is nothing short of out of control. Between the creams, the serums, scrubs and everything else, I pretty much shave off my face then pile on an extra 10 daily.

Recently, I’ve heard a lot about Nerium AD Age Defying Treatment and of course HAD to try it. I’ve been using the night cream and really like it—especially because it is lightweight and non-greasy as the weather heats up. The barely-scented cream instantly tightens skin when applied (seriously, it feels like you just got a facelift). Besides the instant lifting and tightening effects, I like that it has decreased some of my fine lines especially on my forehead without irritating or burning my skin like many other products do. With the tightening effect, the only reaction I’ve noticed is a tiny bit of flush but it’s almost like my face is getting a workout—without the burn.

So with all the skincare products out there, what makes this one different? Nerium AD contains NAE-8 extract which addresses multiple skincare issues including fine lines, wrinkles, discoloration, enlarged pores and uneven skin texture. Backed by 10 years of research and clinical testing, the NAE-8 extract is a mix of Nerium oleander and Aloe barbadenis plants and has been shown to have heavy-duty antioxidant properties.

Along with firmness, I’ve also noticed that my skin has been more even and toned. With almost instant effects, this product is a serious pick-m- up after a long day and I’ve seen a difference in my skin while using it for about a month.

Nerium AD Age Defying Treatment retails for $110 and can be purchased for $80 at at neriumproducts.com.

 

Five easy fixes for dry, damaged hair

Dry, dull hair can be a total downer. No matter how much you try to style and slap on the smoothing product, frizzy fried hair isn’t pretty.  If you’re looking for a few quick ways to revive locks and restore them to their proper glory, you’re in luck. Here are five tips and tricks to get hair back to normal in a flash.

Tip #1: Seal and Repair Hair Cuticles. Are you overdosing on shampoo? Over shampooing with the wrong products can strip hair’s natural oils, drying and weakening hair cuticles. Your hair cuticles are the outermost layer of the hair shaft, and are responsible for locking in moisture. pH balanced shampoos, like Sebamed Everyday Shampoo ($12.99, SebamedUSA.com), can help revive, close and seal the cuticles. Formulated with a new generation surfactant blend, the shampoo’s moisture retaining properties penetrate the structure of the hair shaft, adding volume and silky shine.

Tip #2: Choose a “Flake-Free” Diet. Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, iron and protein can lead to a healthier, happier scalp. Since about 3 % of your hair shaft is made up of omega-3 fatty acids, they’re vital to keeping you scalp hydrated. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in foods like walnuts, almonds, tuna and salmon.

Tip #3: Tame Frizz. Instead of loading your hair with oily serums and fly-away tamers, try styling with hair tools that produce ionic heat – a proven frizz fighter.  Ionic products like Rowenta Beauty’s Inspiration Pro™ Auto Sensor™ Hair Dryer ($159.99, Ulta.com)lock in moisture, keeping your tresses hydrated and resistant to breakage, which also gives you that coveted salon-quality shine.

Tip #4: Promote New Growth, Naturally. When trying to grow out your hair its important to trim split ends. Also, giving yourself a gentle scalp massage for 10 minutes 2-3 times a week in the shower can loosen skin flakes, product residue, and natural oils, and increase blood flow to the scalp to help promote new hair growth.

Tip #5: Restore Life to Your Hair. Do you color your hair, straighten it a few times a week or use a lot of hair spray? Adding chemicals, applying heat or using products are habits that we all find hard to kick, and can come with some unwanted side effects. Luckily, hair masks like Repêchage Hydra-Amino® 18 Hair Spa Seaweed Mask ($55, Repechage.com) work to restore and nourish hair from scalp to tip for dramatically smoother, more youthful looking hair. Apply it in the shower 1-2 times weekly or leave in overnight for a deep treatment. Formulated with select seaweed plants, this treatment works to repair stressed out tresses, strengthen damaged and chemically treated hair, and protect it from further damage.

Pretty on the cheap: Infusium 23 Miracle Therapy review

Most posts I write about hair contain at least one sentence about how much I hate mine. But, with some serious effort, vitamins and good products, it’s really not doing so badly. Back in January, I was sent the new line of Infusium 23 Miracle Therapy collection, a five-product line of smoothing hair care packed with nourishing ingredients. Overly picky about hair products, I was really skeptical to try the line as it was totally out of my usual realm of hair go-to’s. Surprisingly, the hydrating products have really helped my breakage issue and I am continuing to see progress in the length of my hair.

The brand’s first launch in three years, the Miracle Therapy collection features Moringa Oil, derived from a nutrient-dense plant native to the Himalayas and known for its healing properties. Here’s the scoop:

1. Nourishing Shampoo: With pool season right around the corner, I’ve been working out a lot. That means that I have to wash my hair more than usual which can definitely wreck havoc on my dry strands. Not overly drying, the Nourishing Shampoo has a luxe lather that makes feel squeaky clean without stripping them. With a fortifying formula packed with vitamins and nutrients, I can get away with washing my hair just a few times a week with this shampoo. My friend with normal hair also uses it daily and her hair has looked super healthy.
2. Healing Conditioner: The last time I saw my stylist, my ends were really, really dry. Her solution: condition. Even if I don’t use shampoo every time I get my hair wet, I  always use the Healing Conditioner because it makes my hair silky smooth without looking greasy. For the days I don’t shampoo, I avoid my roots and focus on my ends. Super hydrating, leave on for a few minutes in the shower while you shave for even more conditioning power.
3. Leave-In Spray: Weightless and non-sticky, this smoothing spray is great to use wet or dry. I usually spray on right after I get out of the shower then use just a few spritzes to tame flyaways and frizz after I style. A must-have, this nourishing spray also fights breakage and split ends.
4. Foaming Mousse: A girl who loves big hair, I’m obsessed with this mousse. It’s non-drying like most formulas and I can use it every time I style. Not only does it give hair some extra va-va voom and teasing power, it’s also formulated as a leave in conditioner so it’s hydrating at the same time. Plus, it has a time-release fragrance that keeps hair fresh between washes.
5. Leave-In Serum: A serum fan for years, this one’s good. It smoothes without greasing up hair and works perfectly with the Leave-In Spray and Foaming mousse. My split ends love it and I’ve seen decreased breakage. Packed with vitamins, proteins and amino acids, it gives hair a boost of nutrition and shine.

For complete information and where to buy, visit miracletherapy.com. Products are a steal for around $6.99 a pop and super soothing for the driest of dry hair.

Celebrate National Grapefruit Month with Neutrogena & a super easy skincare DIY!

February is national grapefruit month and what better way to celebrate than with some pink grapefruit products from Neutrogena®? Like a said a few days ago, my face has been breaking out like crazy so I’ve had to step up my skincare routine…A LOT. However, my skin is on the sensitive side and I don’t like the smell and sometimes “ouch” that comes along with more serious acne solutions.

What I like about the Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit line (and all of their products) is that they are super effective and gentle all at the same time. For my recent skin issues and after workouts, I use the Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Foaming Scrub. The formula contains scrubbers that are non-irritating and blast away dead skin cells and dirt that cause blemishes. Gentle enough for everyday use, I recommend using morning and night for acne-prone skin.

Additionally, I’m a big fan of makeup removing wipes to go along with a cleanser, especially at night. To go along with February’s grapefruit theme, I’ve been using the Oil-Free Cleansing Wipes after washing my face to make sure all traces of makeup and everything else left over from the day is long gone. The pre-moistened wipes can also be used for on-the-go use and refresh your face in one swipe.

For those of you with super oily skin or have problematic skin, turn it up a notch by adding a pink grapefruit mask to your routine. All you do is squeeze a small amount of grapefruit juice into a bowl, dab on to clean skin with a cotton ball or washcloth and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Rinse and go forth with your moisturizing routine. You’ll notice an improvement in the brightness in your skin and that it won’t feel as oily after you do the treatment.

For more information and to shop the entire Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit line including their body products, visit neutrogena.com.

5 easy ways to banish blemishes fast

I’ve been breaking out like crazy lately. From home remedies to a cabinet full of products, I’ve pretty much done it all within the past month. After many failed techniques, here are the top five ways to get rid of blemishes fast.

On the Daily

Clayspray: With the benefits of a clay mask in a mess-free shaving cream like foam, this revolutionary formula is easy to use and instantly refines pores, brightens skin and dries up pimples. Made from all-natural clay sourced from Spain, if you’re breaking out, the spray is definitely something to consider using 1-2 times per day as your normal cleansing routine to purge pores. Easy to apply, all you do is wet skin (they have a spray for that), then apply a thin layer of Clayspray on skin. Within about 3 minutes, the clay is dry and ready to be washed off. How easy is that? Even after the first application, you’ll see and feel a noticeable smoothness in skin and if you partner with one of the “treatment” options below, your skin will be back to normal in no time. Plus, depending on your skin, there are five types of different masks (pore refining is my fave). Get it at clayspray.com or beautyhabit.com.

Spot Treatments

Rubbing Alcohol: For the icky, inflamed pimples we don’t even want to talk about, this tip is for you. Soak a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol then hold or band-aid onto the “infected” area for as long as you can keep it on. You’ll look totally weird while doing it and it’s not the most comfortable thing in the world, but do it a few times a day while you’re watching TV and it will dry up your breakout quick.

Exfoliating

Baking Soda: A few times a week I exfoliate my face with baking soda. Cheap and effective, mix a small amount with water to make a paste then apply with your Clarisonic or rub with your fingers or a washcloth. Leaves skin smooth and also kills germs that cause breakouts and wipes away dead skin cells that can also wreck havoc on skin. If you need a little extra boost, leave the paste on face for about 10 minutes until it dries then scrub off. Letting the baking soda sit on skin dries oily areas out and helps reduce the size of blemishes.

Overnight

Tea Tree Oil: Not the best smelling thing in the world, dab on a blemish or rub on a small area before bed and let it sit overnight. The natural formula disinfects and soothes. Also, if you’re like me and have bouts of insomnia, reapply ever few hours. Get it at wholefoods.com.

On the Go

For a last resort when you need to leave the house, cleanse and disinfect then cover the area with a few drops of Clear Eyes or Visine. The redness-eliminating formulas make pimples not so obvious and are a quick way to lessen a bright red disaster. After you’ve let the drops sit on the area for a few minutes and redness subsides, put on some coverup for long-term protection (Visine Maximum Redness Relief works amazing).

Save The Blow Dry: All hail the queen of shower caps

A few weeks ago, I received the most amazing package from the GLAMMEST company from overseas called Save the Blowdry. Proclaimed the queen of moisture eliminating shower caps, this thing seriously rocks.

The company began in hopes to help us girls who spend more than two hours a week blow drying and styling our hair (I swear I spend more). The super-duty cap saves your blowdry and allows you to get away with morning-after hair with its waterproof design and internal layers of super-absorbent micro weave toweling. Even in the shower, this thing is sturdy and doesn’t fall off. Plus, it keeps your hair completely dry and humidity free. With wavy hair, I’m a shower cap addict and of course, always like to have one that sits pretty in my shower. Save the Blowdry takes functionality and design to a whole new level as the cap is pink with a bow pattern and pretty much as sexy as a shower cap gets.

The roomy showercap, even suitable for the longest hair also has a dual deep-treatment use. Flip inside out  so the moisture-wicking fabric is on the outside and apply your favorite hair mask and make it stay within the confines of the plastic inside. Genius, right? So you’re probably wondering, where do I get one? Currently sold in the UK, the company is looking to quickly expand and ship to the US (yay!). To order, send an email to Clare from Save the Blowdry at clare@savetheblowdry.com and let her know that you are interested in purchasing a Save the Blowdry showercap.

5 products that heal dry, winter skin

Baby, it’s cold outside! And with chilly temps, most of us beauty buffs have tried about everything to counter dry skin. From lotions to serums and everything in between, here is my guide to staving off parched skin.

Face

Osmotics Cream Extreme, $75 at http://www.osmotics.com/products/cream-extreme-barrier-repair.html. This thick, soothing moisturizer has been my go-to for the last few months. I love its rich texture and it’s super moisturizing properties have saved my skin. On a recent trip, I left my eye cream at home and this did the trick—it’s really that nourishing. Use day and night for a baby soft, glowing complexion.

Orico London Skin Brunch Kukui Rejuvenating Mask, $42 at http://www.oricolondon.com/skincare/face-mask/kukui-rejuvenating-mask. Give skin an extra vitamin uuumph with this nourishing face mask packed with anti-oxidant Kukui oil that contains essential fatty acids to give skin a nutritious boost of radiance. Essential oils relax and restore glow while macadamia, mango and coconut oils nourish and hydrate. Bottom line: it nourishes overworked, dry skin with an amazing scent that reminds you of sunnier days.

Lips

Osmotics Blue Copper 5 Lip and Tuck in Natural, $35 at http://www.osmotics.com/products/Blue-Copper-5-Lip-and-Tuck.html?product_id=1792. A total hidden beauty secret, this lip plumper and moisturizer is a must for chapped winter lips. The gloss keeps lips soft and smooth accentuating your natural color so you can use under or even instead of lip color.

Feet

Curel Foot Therapy, $6 at http://www.curel.com/products/foot-cream.aspx. Just because you’re covered with socks and boots doesn’t mean you can forget your feet. This foot cream really helps keep skin soft and moisturized. Slather on after the shower and put on a pair of socks for extra hydration power.

 

Hands

Orico London Jazzy Ultra Moisturizing Hand Lotion, $21 at http://www.oricolondon.com/body/hand-wash/ultra-moisturising-hand-lotion. Dry, chapped hands are the worst. They hurt and look less than pretty. Use this quick-absorbing lotion to keep dry skin at bay. Bonus: The residue-free formula can also be used on the go.

Good enough to eat beauty treats

If you’re like me and indulged just a little too much in the spirit of the Holidays, it’s time to get back on track. For all of us who have vowed to eat healthier this year, I have three yummy treats with no guilt attached.  

1. Cocoa: For all of you sweet lovers, Jane Iredale has the most amazing lip palette so delicious you’ll (almost) want to eat it. Their Chocoholicks collection is made with cocoa butter, cocoa beans and cocoa powder that melt the second they touch your lips. Plus, they contain antioxidants that hydrate, rejuvenate and protect. What I love about this palette is that it’s super fun and also really effective at keeping chapped lips and chocolate cravings at bay, $35 at shop.janeiredale.com.

2. Pumpkin: Even though it’s January, I can’t go on Pinterest without avoiding some sweet, craveable pumpkin treat. I fell in love with Eminence about seven years ago and let me tell you, they have the most effective skincare that’s all natural and I’m obsessed with their Pumpkin Latte Hydration Masque. My skin has been so dry lately and this mask is one of the only things that helps get it back to normal. Rich in zinc which supports collagen synthesis, packed with Vitamins A and C, the mask contains everything to nourish, protect and renew cells, $53.50 at FragranceNet.com.

3. Berry: It takes a lot for me to like a fragrance and I’m usually not a berry girl. But, I’m really liking Black XS for Her Paco Rabanne as a transitional fragrance from winter into spring. This sultry scent has a hint of  cranberry with woody, floral and musky notes that goes with the cold weather outside but is still pretty and feminine, $56.55 at Fragrance.net.

 

 

 

 

 

Celebrate National Bubble Bath Day with Neutrogena

So how long has it been since I’ve posted a blog? I know, it’s been forever. Sorry for my hiatus, life has been crazy as I imagine it has been for you too. With lots to do and more stress than I even want to talk about, I’m excited to announce that today is national bubble bath day! Fitting, right? In celebration, I’m dedicating this blog post to one of my all time favorite bubble bath formulas, Neutrogena Rainbath® Refreshing Shower and Bath Gel. Available in yummy Pear and Green Tea, Grapefruit and Original (my go-to), the high lathering formula and light scents make for the perfect kick-back vibe.

To make the most of my time and to help the ongoing cause of growing out my bleach blonde hair, if I’m taking a bath you know I’m doubling up with a hair mask—and let’s be honest, a face mask too. For hair, if you need a good mask on the cheap, Neutrogena’s Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Hair Mask rocks. Directions say to use once a week, but because it doesn’t contain protein that can damage hair if you use it too often, I slather it on about twice weekly. Packed with moisturizers, it leaves your hair super soft after you wash it out and helps control frizz. For an extra dose of hydration, I apply the mask to clean, damp hair then warm it up with my blowdryer. Then, I leave while I’m relaxing in the tub so still I feel productive, even when I’m literally not doing anything.

If you’re extra ambitious and want to indulge in a mini facial too, pick up Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask while you’re at the drugstore. It makes your face feel super clean without drying and a little bit goes a long way. I use as a mask about once a week and it can also be used as a daily cleanser.

So who’s stopping at Walgreens tonight? You know I’ll be there. For more information and to purchase products online, visit neutrogena.com.

Here’s to a relaxing and very happy bubble bath day—you deserve it!

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