Archive | February, 2012

Hand Cream For Winter Weather

29 Feb

 

I am always buying and trying out new hand creams.  I think I get bored and just want to try something new with a different scent and a new bottle or package…I think we all get that way with beauty products.  However, I have been using a hand cream this winter that has saved my hands from getting all dried out from the winter weather.  I have never found a hand cream that I loved as much as Nivea Smooth Indulgence Hand Cream ($5 www.drugstore.com).  This hand cream contains macadamia nut oil and vitamins which help add moisture and soften dry hands.  The smell is very “clean” and fresh.  The best part is that it absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave a greasy residue on your skin so you can use your cell phone, key board or do other things right after applying it.  I keep a bottle of this on my desk and use it after I wash my hands to keep them really soft.  I have turned other people in my office on to it because of the smell and because of the great price!  If you are looking for something to save your hands this winter, give this a try!

Is it lipstick or lipgloss?

22 Feb

I don’t know if you are like me and get annoyed when your lip gloss has that really “tacky” or “sticky” feeling.   With most lip gloss it seems that my hair is constantly getting stuck in it or it makes my mouth feel gooey.  However, this is a catch 22 because I also like it to help add some moisture over lipstick…so as it goes I still apply the stuff even though most of the time it gets on my nerves…  This is how I felt until the other day when I discovered MAC’s Kissable Lip Color ($19 www.maccosmetics.com).  This stuff is AMAZING!  It comes in a tube with a wand just like lip gloss, but it is creamy and has the color of a lipstick!  It feels so smooth and soft on your lips.  You really get the best of both worlds between lipsticks and lip gloss with this product.  I know a lot of my friends think lipstick is a “committment” and a little too “serious” for them so they prefer gloss, but with this it is a lot more casual and you don’t have to commit to the color all day.  I bought it in two shades, one neutral and one a little darker.  They both go on great and I love how creamy and soft they make my lips feel.  I did not have any problems with my hair getting stuck in it and it lasted for quite a while.  The only thing is that it does not have the super shiny look that a gloss has.  I love this because it is so easy to apply and it is very comfortable on my lips.   If you struggle with gloss and don’t care too much for lipstick, then this would be perfect for you!  It just came out this spring so there is a limited edition of 4 colors at the moment.  Give this a try I know you will love it!

Great Oil-Free Moisturizer

17 Feb

All the experts  say “moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!”, but I hate the feeling of having really wet or sticky skin before I put on my makeup.  For the past month I have been using MD Skincare Trifix Oil Free Hydrating Moisturizer ($35 www.dgskincare.com) and it is the perfect moisturizer if you don’t care  too much for that “moisturizer” feeling.  It  is  fast absorbing and really gets deep into the skin, rather than sits on top of the skin surface.  It is oil free so it won’t clog your pores and it contains willow bark extract which helps fight blackheads and  congested skin.  It is very light weight and non-greasy, a little goes a long  way.  It has aloe, along with vitamin and mineral benefits which help fight inflammation and redness.  This is a really great moisturizer for acne prone skin or combination/oily skin.  It feels really great on your skin and doesn’t feel “heavy”.  If you are looking for a lightweight moisturizer to go under makeup this is a great option.  It provides  great hydrating benefits  as well as clear skin benefits, it is a new favorite of mine!

Don’t Wash Out Your Hair Color!

14 Feb

There are a million shampoo and conditioner lines out there that help maintain hair  color.  I have tried a lot  of different ones and have loved them or hated them for different reasons.  The one that I am really liking right now is Pureology Hydrate Shampoo and Conditioner ($30 www.pureology.com).  When you use these products on while you are washing your hair, you don’t see color running out down the drain.  It also makes your hair very soft and shiny.  It does have a botanical smell but it does not linger on your hair.  I really like that is has peppermint in it, it leaves your scalp feeling refreshed.  The product has zero sulfates which can strip hair color and it also has a special Anti-Fade Complex which helps maintain hair color longer.  If you have tried a lot of different “Color Saving” shampoos and conditioners, this is one you should try.  It will leave your hair shiny and your color will remain in tact!

Broken Nail? Help It Grow Back Fast!

8 Feb

I broke  one of my nails this weekend and it made me so frustrated!  I hate it when all of your nails are one length and then you break one and it is short and looks terrible.  One thing that I use to help get that broken nail “back into shape” is Sally Hansen Nailgrowth Miracle Serum ($6 www.sallyhansen.com).  You just apply it a couple of times a day and your nail will grow back and repair itself a lot faster than if you just let it grow back on its own.  It is packed with Vitamin A, C, and E which help the nail grow and makes your cuticle smooth.  You can also apply your favorite nail polish over it and continue using this while you have polish on.  This is a must have item to keep in your manicure set, it will definitely come in handy!

Mama Knows Best

5 Feb

In the winter my hands get really dry from washing them all the time.  My nail beds and cuticles really suffer from the dry weather.  The best thing to use on them is Mama Bee Balm ($7 www.burtsbees.com).  It is an ointment that is actually for expecting mothers to put on their belly’s to help prevent stretch marks, but I use it for  pretty much everything.  I use it on my feet, hands and elbows to make them really soft.  It is 100% natural and fragrance free.  It comes in a really cute tin that you can keep in your purse or on your bedside table, so you can use this whenever you remember.  It is so great for treating dry or cracked skin and really is a wonderful cuticle cream.  The best thing is that you can find it at any drugstore and it is very affordable.  Everyone should have a tin of this, it is a beauty must have!