tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10243433975131958552024-03-05T19:39:50.541+04:00Skin WenchA place to 1)educate people on proper skin care (for all parts of your body) so that you can be the best you possible..and 2) to enable the world to all of my favorite products!SkinWenchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03558074204840403274noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024343397513195855.post-74880166719731381162008-07-02T17:27:00.005+04:002008-07-02T18:01:36.378+04:00Use Natural Enzymes to Replace Plastic Scrubbing BeadsI just came across <a href="http://www.thesmartmama.com/bg/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=113&Itemid=23">this article</a> on <a href="http://www.thesmartmama.com">The Smart Mama's blog</a>. (She has a great blog by the way!). Wow! I never knew that those little micro (usually jojoba) scrubbing beads in alot of commercial scrubs could be killing our sea life! Anyone concerned about our planet (and that should be all of us, right??) needs to know about this. Smart Mama has already written such a good article about this issue that I don't feel the need to add more. Re<a href="http://http://www.thesmartmama.com/bg/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=113&Itemid=23"></a>ad <a href="http://www.thesmartmama.com/bg/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=113&Itemid=23">the article</a> and then try to stick to natural exfoliants.<br /><br />The only thing I would suggest is be careful which natural exfoliants you use on your face... some natural exfoliants, such as crushed apricot seeds or almonds have rough edges that scratch the skin's surface. While you might not be able to see them, the scratches are still there and they are damaging to the skin's surface...and of course, the skin on your face is more delicate than the skin on the rest of your body.<br /><br />I personally try to only use facial exfoliants that are based on AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) & BHA's (Beta Hydroxy Acids) from fruits (such as pineapple or grapefruit enzymes, etc). Doll Face's all-natural <a href="http://www.dollfacebeauty.com/HooplaEnzymeWash.aspx">Hoopla Enzyme Cleansing Wash</a> uses apple and lemon enzymes to exfoliate and is so amazing that I can actually feel it retexturizing my skin even before I rinse. I am totally addicted to the fresh Green Apple scent of this product as well.<br /><br />Another of my favorite exfoliators is <a href="http://www.sensai-cosmetics.com/detail/index.php?lang=en&id=sp008">Kanebo's Silk Peeling Powder</a>. This powdered exfoliant is based on silk enzymes and always leaves my skin silky (no pun intended) smooth. The packaging is designed so that when you turn it upside down it dispenses a pre-measured amount just right for one use.. and each bottle contains about 100 uses if I remember correctly (my bottle lasted forever and was well worth the money). It is also great for travel...no need to worry about leaks or spills (I dispense some into a re-usable plastic jar or a ziplock bag).. and these days it's one less thing to have to fit into your 1 quart ziplock bag of liquids for flying (not to mention it takes up less space). The big surprise of this product for me was how much it foams. You'll get lots of foam, and I use the premeasured amount that is dispensed on my face, front & back of neck, decollate, and my hands (yes, ladies, always exfoliate your hands at the same time you do your face... especially when using an enzyme exfoliant... it helps use up that leftover product that is on your hands and gives the enzymes on your face a little more time to do their work as well).<br /><br />Whatever you do, please try to boycott those plastic micro scrubbing beads. Our planet will be a better place for it.SkinWenchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03558074204840403274noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024343397513195855.post-46463889189411335832008-06-27T01:45:00.004+04:002008-06-27T03:01:57.422+04:00Drinking Your Skincare<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY4SxoL_Y5-1SLP0mcravyNLlZewWggOinBY8ETADtdLXZxbd595X99PvxwLUIt7h9gGqDzOXQEuDtkqG8iZfibci2hdAnFqsESUsWMlwvo5TgvhX3L6NRiM4iyyiT5-CRIQyLTWTZjorn/s1600-h/borba+water.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216327875076140018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY4SxoL_Y5-1SLP0mcravyNLlZewWggOinBY8ETADtdLXZxbd595X99PvxwLUIt7h9gGqDzOXQEuDtkqG8iZfibci2hdAnFqsESUsWMlwvo5TgvhX3L6NRiM4iyyiT5-CRIQyLTWTZjorn/s200/borba+water.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Last night I was given a bottle of <a href="http://www.borba.com/">Borba Skin Balance Water</a>.<br /><br />Honestly, I had tried these a few years ago and thought they were "ok, but pretty expensive" ($3.00/bottle).<br /><br />Today I am drinking <a href="http://www.borba.com/">Borba's</a> <a href="http://www.borba.com/products_water.aspx?id=1470">Replenishing water </a>with Lychee Fruit. As a lychee lover, my first reaction is, "YUM!" My second reaction is, "Wait! How many calories are in this sucker??!!" and the answer is: NONE! Borba seems to have improved their products....I mean I would grab one of these babies to quench my thirst even if it didn't do any of the below wonderful things for me:<br /><br />This drink is:<br /><br />*Calorie free<br />*Aspartame free<br />*Preservative free<br />*Sodium free<br />*Carb free<br /><br />and made with natural flavorings (yes, these are made with fruit solids...although you can see or feel any solids).<br /><br />As I look at this list of what it DOES contain, I'm impressed with many of the ingredients:<br /><br />*Magnesium Gluconate<br />*Vitamin E Acetate<br />*Green Tea Extract<br />*Flaxseed Powder<br />*Vitamin A Palmitate<br />*Grape Seed Extract<br />*Zinc Picolinate<br /><br />Borba's labeling tells me that this <a href="http://www.borba.com/products_water.aspx?id=1470">Replenishing</a> drink provides nutrients intended to diminish dryness, sensitivity, and roughness.<br /><br />Borba makes 3 other drinks for different skin needs:<br /><br />*<a href="http://www.borba.com/products_water.aspx?id=1390">Age Defying </a>(with Acai for aging skin, fine lines, & wrinkles. Does anybody over 20 out there 'not' need this?)<br />*<a href="http://www.borba.com/products_water.aspx?id=1440">Clarifying </a>(with Pomegranate for oily skin, clogged pores, and impurities)<br />*<a href="http://www.borba.com/products_water.aspx?id=1440">Firming</a> (with Guanabana fruit for elasticity, smoothness & resilience...I probably need to be drinking this by the caseload considering elasticity & sagging are my biggest, generically inherited concerns)<br /><br />And if $36.00 (+ shipping) for a case of 12 bottles of Borba seems expensive, they have the crystalline packettes (you know, just like those Crystal Light ones) for $100 for a box of 60. That's 'almost' half price (and much less shipping).<br /><br />I can't afford to drink these on a regular basis to see if they really can/will make a difference in my skin in the long run, but I bet they would. I would (and will) also choose these as a cold refreshing, no calorie, no preservative option to a sugary soda or flavored water on a hot sunny day anytime!<br /><br />When checking out <a href="http://www.borba.com/">Borba's website</a> today, I also see they've come out with topical applications of their products... now where do I get some samples of <em>those</em>?</div>SkinWenchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03558074204840403274noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024343397513195855.post-74942642786894921762008-01-17T22:49:00.000+04:002008-01-17T23:56:28.292+04:00C&M Couples for Valentine's Day<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNPN-E2TTdekANfbqbdkqkDvOcSIQoIcUBWMN3UrW0HGmZbegUkO0EnWouNHUgR30qZ6UJ2pEI495Zuooy791YZneqYXhbfFcXXyehEHO-jA_5DsYVz7VNIck1MFCOf21IsTZ50OoHB3jp/s1600-h/passion_travel.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5156535272897280274" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNPN-E2TTdekANfbqbdkqkDvOcSIQoIcUBWMN3UrW0HGmZbegUkO0EnWouNHUgR30qZ6UJ2pEI495Zuooy791YZneqYXhbfFcXXyehEHO-jA_5DsYVz7VNIck1MFCOf21IsTZ50OoHB3jp/s200/passion_travel.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div><div>As we approach Valentine's Day, have you started thinking about what to give your significant other?</div><br /><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Are you in a hot, steamy relationship that needs a little more excitement? Or are you one of the many who have lost that original fire that once existed between the two of you? Either way, we could all benefit from <a href="http://cmcouples.com/">C&M Couples </a>by Life Elements. </div><br /><br /><div></div><div> </div><div><a href="http://cmcouples.com/">C&M Couples</a> is a line of high-quality, all-natural, aromatherapy based bath and body products for couples to help them create a romantic atmosphere. </div><br /><div></div><div>These are not your average, low quality couples products in cheap, tacky packaging, but instead high-quality, natural products in sophisticated fragrances and packaging. They are carried in 4 & 5 star hotels & spas around the country... and coming soon to a location near you. (I also hear they are going to be featured in American Spa's February 2008 issue... cool!)</div><br /><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlm0RQlmXKcfTcPD0MNjfVI8uhcxAr3zq-pc8HADHtA1nX0BugMwTKyAac0zA6v37s6rr-0_HOoa80z8z0LxMORfTVKgPMKi6M3M-3u-AG3FoeQkeFFfqQRWWcfWNkxziZCTKXizwVFEf2/s1600-h/romance_travel.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5156534637242120434" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlm0RQlmXKcfTcPD0MNjfVI8uhcxAr3zq-pc8HADHtA1nX0BugMwTKyAac0zA6v37s6rr-0_HOoa80z8z0LxMORfTVKgPMKi6M3M-3u-AG3FoeQkeFFfqQRWWcfWNkxziZCTKXizwVFEf2/s200/romance_travel.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>C&M Couples' <a href="http://www.king-cart.com/cgi-bin/cart.cgi?store=Lifeelements&product_name=Passion+Travel+Set+-+2+oz+Collection&exact_match=exact">travel set</a>, in a sleek little silver lunch box, is the bomb... take it anywhere: throw it in your suitcase, trunk, picnic basket, keep one at the summer house, and so on and so on. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>The line consists of products in 2 fragrances:</div><br /><div></div><div><strong><a href="http://www.cmcouples.com/Products_InspireRomance.htm">Inspire Romance</a></strong>: Essential oils of fruit, herbs, and spice, plus calming accents of lavender, frankincense, bergamot and more. This one is my favorite</div><br /><div><strong><a href="http://www.cmcouples.com/Products_CreatePassion.htm">Create Passion</a></strong>: Rich, warm and sensuous with hints of spices, fragrant flowers, and fruit, along with exotic notes of ylang ylang, black pepper, ginger and more.</div><br /><br /><div>Both are so complex...like nothing you have ever smelled before...prepare your nose for a scent scintillation. </div><br /><div>Every product has a different scent and they layer together to create the whole experience. </div><br /><br /><div><em>Imagine...</em></div><br /><div>First you light the <a href="http://www.king-cart.com/cgi-bin/cart.cgi?store=Lifeelements&product_name=Romance+Candle+-+6oz&exact_match=exact">candle</a> in your bedroom (say perhaps after a romantic dinner &/or a bottle of champagne) and spray your linens with the <a href="http://www.king-cart.com/cgi-bin/cart.cgi?store=Lifeelements&product_name=Romance+Linen+Mist+-+4oz&exact_match=exact">Linen Mist</a>. </div><br /><div>Then go take a long hot bath or steamy shower with your beloved (using C&M <a href="http://www.king-cart.com/cgi-bin/cart.cgi?store=Lifeelements&product_name=Romance+Bath+and+Shower+Gel+-+8oz&exact_match=exact">Bath & Shower Gel</a>, of course). </div><br /><div>Afterwards, return to the bedroom where your heavenly scented sheets are waiting and give each other a massage using C&M's <a href="http://www.king-cart.com/cgi-bin/cart.cgi?store=Lifeelements&product_name=Romance+Massage+Creme++-+8oz&exact_match=exact">Massage Creme</a>. Make it a Valentine's to remember...or make any day a special day with C&M Couples.</div><br /><div>Need a little chocolate in this story? Ok, pick a box of <a href="http://www.emilyschocolates.com/storecategory109.aspx">Emily's Chocolates Milk Chocolate Covered Love Fortune Cookies</a> with messages of love and romance inside... the perfect compliment to C&M Couples!</div><br /><div>For those of you interested in taking the moment a step further than just massage and cuddling, C&M's <em><a href="http://www.cmcouples.com/Products_CreatePassion.htm">Create Passion</a></em> line also provides tastefully presented <a href="http://www.king-cart.com/cgi-bin/cart.cgi?store=Lifeelements&product_name=Personal+Lubricant+-+5oz&exact_match=exact">Lubricant</a> and the biggest, thickest moist towlettes, appropriately called <a href="http://www.king-cart.com/cgi-bin/cart.cgi?store=Lifeelements&product_name=Tela+D" exact_match="'exact">Tela D'Amor</a>, you have ever seen. Because let's face it...once someone gets up to get a washcloth, the moment is over, the connection is lost. Use Tela D'Amor to keep that wonderful feeling and connection for as long as absolutely possible. </div><br /><div>Oh, but wait...did I mention these are paraben free & SLS free? The packaging is 100% recyclable, and the company is 100% sustainable. They are a Co-op America member, and also offer carbon free shipping. Yes, not only are they providing great products for couples, but they are doing their best to help save the planet. </div><br /><div>The company not only works to bring couples & families together, but also makes a positive impact in peoples lives. They partner with <a href="http://www.achievementhouse.org/">Achievement House Inc.</a>, a non-profit agency dedicated to providing vocational and community living services for developmentally disabled adults, to assemble and package their travel sets. </div><br /><div>So, your purchase can not only get you some great products, it can save your marriage, save the planet, and help provide employment for adults with disabilities. What other product can do all that and provide romance and passion? This stuff is priceless!</div><br /><div>Wishing you a romantic and passionate Valentines!!!! And remember... green is the new red for Valentines!! And while you are whoopin' it up on February 14, please lift up a prayer for those in need who might not have anyone to celebrate with. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>-N-</div></div></div></div>SkinWenchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03558074204840403274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024343397513195855.post-57814484727528870612008-01-17T05:48:00.000+04:002008-01-17T05:57:50.033+04:00Is it just the British?Ok, I'm back after a long hiatus. My business has taken off and demands more and more, but I do miss Skin Wench, and it's time to get back to it!<br /><br />After reading the following article, <a href="http://www.skininc.com/news/12985582.html">http://www.skininc.com/news/12985582.html</a>, from today's Skin Inc. newsletter, I was extremely disappointed in the attitude of skin care in the UK, and I wonder if it is a global attitude as well.<br /><br />It seems that 50% of women in the UK who wear makeup do not remove it before going to bed. 64% of those are too tired to clean their face, and more than 25% just don't care. I have to ponder whether this is reflective of women allover the world? Or is it, for some strange reason, just the British? Any thoughts?<br /><br />I will admit that I have been guilty many times of being one of those who is too tired to take my makeup off, but it was never because I didn't care. Hint for those who are too tired: mineral makeup is much less harmful to your skin.<br /><br />The article also offers skin care tips at <a href="http://www.respectyourskin.co.uk/">www.respectyourskin.co.uk</a>. What a spectacular name for a website Respect Your Skin! What more does one need to say? Alas perhaps it is not what we need to say, but what we need to do.....wash our faces!SkinWenchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03558074204840403274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024343397513195855.post-33753480651764182522007-08-20T02:17:00.000+04:002007-08-20T03:21:58.083+04:00Pat says Now!In continuation of great products from the NY Internationals Gift Fair (and my diversion from skin care for awhile):<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.pat-says-now.com/"><strong>Pat Says Now!</strong></a><strong> </strong><br /><br />"Who's Pat? And what does he want me to do now??" Those were my first thoughts when I saw this company name. And at first, I thought these products were cell phone covers (which would have been fun), but instead they are even more fun (& innovative) mice... and not the cu<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0b_9xmrOfXNafSQgQMAYzK9a1lmUjtcG9mSn68T3H7bR6yMtqUo2JllFBOeCJ46IGrZF_hJD-e4xmxzWehrhSJR6ybqNjsAXdIETAsrle_s8leW1UCpOlTCIs9jEJmAuElN_ZBjT2eBRe/s1600-h/pic_velvetheart_big.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5100548510689538466" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 95px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 95px" height="156" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0b_9xmrOfXNafSQgQMAYzK9a1lmUjtcG9mSn68T3H7bR6yMtqUo2JllFBOeCJ46IGrZF_hJD-e4xmxzWehrhSJR6ybqNjsAXdIETAsrle_s8leW1UCpOlTCIs9jEJmAuElN_ZBjT2eBRe/s200/pic_velvetheart_big.jpg" width="122" border="0" /></a>te little grey furry type...although their velvet <a href="http://www.pat-says-now.com/shop/de/mouse.php?mouse=velvetheart&from=/shop/de/shop_inhalt.php&order=&gutschein=">Heart</a> might qualify as furry, and it's certainly cute! Perhaps Pat should have said "Click here now!"<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicvElwOZJUAG2h9L_NO4N3g9y2lACjC5GnVB7Ijzu-p0UfOE7q4s2LRIxwtWm0R_bYntpcPuGqkO5_V1cmP50zDYMFng3ME1SX-9VCyHfhFdMqr0_ih8AsNR3bc9SrCxTgErJMZW5beBh7/s1600-h/pic_duck_big.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5100548635243590066" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 85px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 118px" height="159" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicvElwOZJUAG2h9L_NO4N3g9y2lACjC5GnVB7Ijzu-p0UfOE7q4s2LRIxwtWm0R_bYntpcPuGqkO5_V1cmP50zDYMFng3ME1SX-9VCyHfhFdMqr0_ih8AsNR3bc9SrCxTgErJMZW5beBh7/s200/pic_duck_big.jpg" width="106" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I'm not sure how ergonomic these mice are, but they will certainly add alot of fun to your day! Imagine the <a href="http://www.pat-says-now.com/shop/de/mouse.php?mouse=duck&from=/shop/de/shop_inhalt.php&order=&gutschein=">Duck</a> brightening your day after the meeting from hell or around 3 pm when you are hitting the afternoon slump.<br /><br /><br /><br />Speaking of afternoon slump (or morning hangovers), if you need a <a href="http://http//www.pat-says-now.com/shop/de/mouse.php?mouse=brain&from=/shop/de/shop_inhalt.php&order=&gutschein=">Brain</a> (or additional brain power), Pat's got one for you.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkefLQ9ZSkNKdFGZZWeUmdtCbony0UPhHtGcle_gBbs9aQw4z71mRWpkQW_YZ7AiRcGMeQOS3tW-zK90mvWIhTa2uRVG46bplORG3DVPoFk6OPiWYSSCShxhILR-7GzKYlA0wO1XrmNzt7/s1600-h/diamond+flower.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5100548373250584978" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 83px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 108px" height="149" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkefLQ9ZSkNKdFGZZWeUmdtCbony0UPhHtGcle_gBbs9aQw4z71mRWpkQW_YZ7AiRcGMeQOS3tW-zK90mvWIhTa2uRVG46bplORG3DVPoFk6OPiWYSSCShxhILR-7GzKYlA0wO1XrmNzt7/s200/diamond+flower.bmp" width="114" border="0" /></a><br />Gentleman, does your woman want diamonds & flowers? Kill 2 birds with 1 stone & give her the <a href="http://www.pat-says-now.com/shop/de/mouse.php?mouse=diamondflower&from=/shop/de/shop_inhalt.php&order=&gutschein=">Diamond Flower</a> . (Hurry though, it's a limited edition)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I might be a little prudish, but the <a href="http://www.pat-says-now.com/shop/de/mouse.php?mouse=body&from=/shop/de/shop_inhalt.php&order=&gutschein=">Body</a> seems <em>almost</em> x-rated.... it's a curvy <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid5Ivb2MeXPVx1w1b2RRZq1mZYAMqADq0kgC3UyqYzm0xyZaOCJ1o72q4sxI9WJA-bnL2E9qBin25m9o_NZ8q6kWhIzzVuqX7IBKHdeZUgM275e5ZpCYzKYkLYZ8UaTs0OuRD27vqLNpnl/s1600-h/pic_body_big.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5100548927301366226" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 76px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 120px" height="154" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid5Ivb2MeXPVx1w1b2RRZq1mZYAMqADq0kgC3UyqYzm0xyZaOCJ1o72q4sxI9WJA-bnL2E9qBin25m9o_NZ8q6kWhIzzVuqX7IBKHdeZUgM275e5ZpCYzKYkLYZ8UaTs0OuRD27vqLNpnl/s200/pic_body_big.jpg" width="101" border="0" /></a>woman's body & the left & right breasts are the click buttons . Men, just make sure that when you are with an actual woman you aren't fantasizing about your mouse. Perhaps <a href="http://www.savethetatas.com/">Save the Tatas</a> should partner with Pat for a Save the tatas body mouse! As a moderate feminist who hates discrimination, I think that if there's a female body, there should be an upside down male body where the left & right click buttons are testicles..it could be called "For the Ex-Girlfriend/Wife".<br /><br /><br />And for my friend, Alpi, and all of his readers who read my blog, they've even got an <a href="http://www.pat-says-now.com/shop/de/mouse.php?mouse=austria&from=/shop/de/shop_inhalt.php&order=&gutschein=">Austria</a> version.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHBr3A6wlfAqpaRXC1XfkIkXg47b3lnvsfEjFUIOofb0r083pYzVhSPzhCs27wG8iuA3XhG-kWWWRSkRrhWhSpGDjpbaErptgGsNRCKZJjQMtVaTLYcSGEpQC6QQZW0S-KOUsR_varnjt6/s1600-h/pic_ghost_big.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5100548776977510850" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 74px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 101px" height="149" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHBr3A6wlfAqpaRXC1XfkIkXg47b3lnvsfEjFUIOofb0r083pYzVhSPzhCs27wG8iuA3XhG-kWWWRSkRrhWhSpGDjpbaErptgGsNRCKZJjQMtVaTLYcSGEpQC6QQZW0S-KOUsR_varnjt6/s200/pic_ghost_big.jpg" width="109" border="0" /></a><br />Every funeral home employ needs the <a href="http://www.pat-says-now.com/shop/en/mouse.php?mouse=ghost&from=/shop/en/shop_inhalt.php&order=&gutschein=">Ghost</a>.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I personally wish they had made one covered 100% in clear or pink crystals. They could call it "I wish these were really Diamonds!" or "My day is so dull I need to brighten it up".<br /><br /><br /><br />I'm also surprised they haven't made any in beer mugs, wine or alcohol bottles. They're also missing a monkey...wouldn't a monkey mouse brighten your day??<br /><br />Pat, take heed of my suggestions: hire me for product development, I've got tons of ideas for you...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">(all photos property & courtesy of </span><a href="http://www.pat-says-now.com/"><span style="font-size:78%;">www.pat-says-now.com</span></a><span style="font-size:78%;">)</span>SkinWenchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03558074204840403274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024343397513195855.post-73940611873115121532007-08-19T04:50:00.000+04:002007-08-19T05:40:15.864+04:00Save the TatasThis being my 2nd post about the NYIGF show, I am writing about the 2nd most memorable product I found there (after this, posts will be in no particular order):<br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5100217441725460850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6JelbltIZLq09xemDADZ4cD0rjXI0GhAJxVperE99A3AZEC_sV6zz7XKxyBZbUVf_WOEbW_rx92anVvv5wQJZf1yfXmR8eui9ZRhf9Y3i5izime4_D-cP6p8EYwwpsY5xU2Td-HBkddJN/s200/tatascares.jpg" border="0" /><br /><a href="http://www.savethetatas.com/">Save the Tatas</a><br /><br />T-shirts...for everyone!<br /><br /><br />This company, founded to help benefit breast cancer research helps raise breast cancer awareness with brassy comedy & gets a great reaction from everyone. I even saw conservative looking older women buying them for their store, as they had lost a friend to breast cancer.<br /><br /><br /><br />The company gives 5% of all sales to breast cancer research.<br /><br /><br /><br />The awesome phrases on the t-shirts, tanks & other goodies include such sayings as:<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>For All</strong><br /><br />*Save the tatas<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong><a href="http://www.savethetatas.com/catalog_hers.htm">For Her</a></strong><br /><br />*My tatas could beat up your tatas<br /><br />*I love my little tatas<br /><br />*Caught you looking at my tatas<br /><br />*If you can read this step away from my tatas (written in very small print)<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong><a href="http://www.savethetatas.com/catalog_his.htm">For Him</a></strong><br /><br />*I support the tatas<br /><br />*My wife has great tatas<br /><br />*So many tatas so little time<br /><br />*If loving tatas is wrong, I don't want to be right<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong><a href="http://www.savethetatas.com/catalog_kids.htm">For Baby</a></strong><br /><br />*Gimme your tatas and no one gets hurt<br /><br /><br /><br />These are great way to provide lots of smiles, laughs & a cure!<br /><br /><br /><p>Oh, and for you Mario Lopez fans (I can't resist those dimples!), there's a pic of Mario (and pics of many others) with a 'Save the tatas' t-shirt in the '<a href="http://www.savethetatas.com/showus.htm">Show us your tatas!</a>' section. </p><p>Folks, seriously, let's <a href="http://www.savethetatas.com/">save the tatas</a>!</p><p>2, 4, 6, 8. Who do we appreciate? Tatas! Tatas! Goooooooo tatas!!</p><p> </p><p> </p>SkinWenchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03558074204840403274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024343397513195855.post-84585213985642893222007-08-18T01:42:00.000+04:002007-08-18T02:14:13.421+04:00Pee & PooI've spent the last 6 days at the New York International Gift Fair. This is possibly the largest trade show in the country. It takes up all of the Jacob Javitz Center, Piers 88 & 94, & 3 floors in the Metropolitan Pavilion. Needless to say, I'm on Gift Fair overload.<br /><br />So, over the next couple of weeks I will be blogging about some of the wonderful products & people I was introduced to at the show... I will be diverting into some 'non-personal care' products as well; however, I think you'll appreciate my diversions.<br /><br />Today I'm decompressing after the show, so I'm going with my boldest memory of the show...<br /><br />Ladies & Gentlemen, introducing <a href="http://www.peeandpoo.com/">Pee & Poo</a> . I'm hoping you've already met them years ago, but now they've been immortalized as stuffed toys (I just can't bring myself to say 'animals'), keychains, underwear (adults & children's), t-shirts & tatoos! Yes, you read correctly, tatoos! Pee & Poo tatoos! (I'm wondering where, exactly, are you supposed to put them?).<br /><br /><a href="http://www.peeandpoo.com/">Pee & Poo</a> get my award for 'Cheekiest Product' at the entire fair (for those of you who don't speak British English that means "Ballsiest Product"...and I have to say, everyone was talking about it.<br /><br />Just hope that Pee or Poo doesn't become the stuffed toy your child can't live or sleep without. Imagine: "Mommy! Mommy! I can't sleep until we find Pee!" Or when you have to explain to complete strangers when Poo has been misplaced & your child is screaming wildly: "I'm sorry, but little Joey just can't live without his Poo!"<br /><br />You can also send your friends <a href="http://www.peeandpoo.com/eng/flasheng.asp">Pee & Poo e-cards</a>. Make someone happy & send them some Pee & Poo. You can even download <a href="http://www.peeandpoo.com/eng/flasheng.asp">Pee & Poo wallpaper</a> for your computer. There's even a <a href="http://www.peeandpoo.com/eng/flasheng.asp">memory game</a>.<br /><br />What do you give the man or woman who has everything? Some <a href="http://www.peeandpoo.com/">Pee & Poo</a>..'cause as much pee & poo as they've had in their lives, they've never had 'em in this form before, that's for sure!<br /><br />Who else but the Scandanavians could get away with this? You just have to love the Scandavians!<br /><br />Maybe I should apply for the rights to the book... The Adventures of Pee & Pooh....I mean Poo.SkinWenchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03558074204840403274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024343397513195855.post-39302932836545429862007-08-09T22:07:00.000+04:002007-08-09T22:13:32.089+04:00Cutivate a Cure...for DermatitisCutivate is a new prescription lotion for atopic dermatitis (eczema)...relieves skin pain, redness & itching. I know so many people with eczema that I had to post this here.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.saveourskin.info/SOS/pdcut_web_enr_form.jsp?c=pdcut_ban_01_specificmedia">Click here</a> for a $20 coupon off your next prescription filled.<br /><br />Anyone who tries it let me know how it works.SkinWenchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03558074204840403274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024343397513195855.post-22559726149663377652007-07-31T02:00:00.000+04:002007-07-31T02:17:46.468+04:00I love New York..and so does Bond<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtf5iAO70RFIhuX8b2R0yI8NqjvM6yCfecBSLkIX1PTgy7kzIjlO-SBQh0Mw66-jY3LLZBs8pwmWNs8t7tH-l5QNOoNJ0217zuOanpTR5GUXt7iDZPs15jSxN8rtdtU5MlbCv7vXEMMcgD/s1600-h/bond+no.9.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5093113837123724178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtf5iAO70RFIhuX8b2R0yI8NqjvM6yCfecBSLkIX1PTgy7kzIjlO-SBQh0Mw66-jY3LLZBs8pwmWNs8t7tH-l5QNOoNJ0217zuOanpTR5GUXt7iDZPs15jSxN8rtdtU5MlbCv7vXEMMcgD/s200/bond+no.9.jpg" border="0" /></a> Are these not the pretties collection of bottles you've ever seen? And Bond No. 9's new fragrance collection is an ode to the city where I've resided for the past 21 years... the great New York City.<br /><br />Fragrances are named after landmarks such as<br /><br />*Bleecker (much of my college night life was spent on Bleecker Street)<br /><br />*Bryant Park (I can remember when it was overrun by drug pushers, now it's a yuppie park where I love to spend my lunch hours),<br /><br />*Chelsea (lived there when I first moved here..in the middle of garment factories. Now it's one of the cutest neighborhoods in the city)<br /><br />*Chinatown (why do I expect this one to smell of greasy wontons?)<br /><br />*Coney Island (still never been there)<br /><br />*Hamptons (who doesn't love the Hamptons?)<br /><br />*Noho (No who? ;-) )<br /><br />*West Side (lived there after Chelsea.. where are Astoria & Forest Hills scents?)<br /><br />and the one most needed here in NYC: "The Scent of Peace".<br /><br /><br />All are available at <a href="http://www.beautysack.com/">Beauty Sack</a> $120 - $195<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">(photo property & courtesy of Beauty Sack)</span>SkinWenchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03558074204840403274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024343397513195855.post-87374791787050496292007-07-26T00:41:00.000+04:002007-07-26T00:51:52.286+04:00Products that Multi-task<a href="http://www.jewishnaturecenter.org/html/looking_beautiful.html">Check it out...</a><br /><br />This is truly the most outrageous list of uses for items from your kitchen, medicine cabinet or laundry room.<br /><br />Maple syrup in your hair! Peanut Butter as shaving cream (do you think Soy Butter with Honey works the same?) !?! Jello or Milk of Magnesia for curls?!?<br /><br />As for Downy in my hair, well, Downy comes in some heavenly scents these days...that would eliminate the need for perfume as well ;).<br /><br />While you are in this website, they have a great list of <a href="http://www.jewishnaturecenter.org/html/vinegar_again.html">uses for vinegar </a>in your home.SkinWenchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03558074204840403274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024343397513195855.post-84550508592736839402007-07-25T16:41:00.000+04:002007-07-25T17:31:32.501+04:00From The Land Down UnderSephora has introduced the newest line to their stores: <a href="http://www.sephora.com/browse/brand_hierarchy.jhtml;jsessionid=UHNWJ2TDQQD4XLAUCKBBXCQ?brandId=5865&contentId=C16926">Napoleon Perdis</a>, a makeup line by the Australian makeup artist by the same name. Unlike other makeup artists that keep their tips secret, Napoleon gives his pro tips on his packaging. There are also <a href="http://www.sephora.com/browse/brand_hierarchy.jhtml?brandId=5865&contentId=C16931">'how-to' videos</a> on Sephora's website. <div><div><div><br /><div>The 3 products that intrigue me the most are:</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJg5D8ApE8XUrjGfkLh0jD3sVVVkIKihimLOhdXdgQiwSnLL87jwAU2IIluI3HsVNs6tgwhNXLDslBbe2f3GuX16k_c-udK4DpUacp3YaCWeJi7NdXJBAzKj_ifkBEXK4lHoPDxllVOEM/s1600-h/napoleon+luminizer.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091121006658118466" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" height="138" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJg5D8ApE8XUrjGfkLh0jD3sVVVkIKihimLOhdXdgQiwSnLL87jwAU2IIluI3HsVNs6tgwhNXLDslBbe2f3GuX16k_c-udK4DpUacp3YaCWeJi7NdXJBAzKj_ifkBEXK4lHoPDxllVOEM/s200/napoleon+luminizer.jpg" width="130" border="0" /></a><br /><div>1) <a href="http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P186539&categoryId=C16924">Light Patrol Luminizer Palette</a> ($60), a selection of 6 shades of highlighter..great for changing up your highlighter depending on what your mood or color scheme is. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRf26sgKXiZl7IISD4VksyJbgveFDgEgJARIX5naO9kz_OWy3Zhg5jsODr8hAoKBZyvM5dKeLyydTp8mgX-3q9AhBn8o895Ifrm1iipPp-Djx7RMMXvquPXCkxbhxIg9Lp5MwGJo3n6Pn1/s1600-h/napoleon+concealer.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091120843449361202" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 148px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 125px" height="150" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRf26sgKXiZl7IISD4VksyJbgveFDgEgJARIX5naO9kz_OWy3Zhg5jsODr8hAoKBZyvM5dKeLyydTp8mgX-3q9AhBn8o895Ifrm1iipPp-Djx7RMMXvquPXCkxbhxIg9Lp5MwGJo3n6Pn1/s200/napoleon+concealer.jpg" width="222" border="0" /></a><br /><div>2) <a href="http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P186529&categoryId=C16924">Correct & Conceal Pro Palette </a>($40)... a selection of green, lavender & beige cremes for correcting & evening out skintone..Great to have all 3 colors in 1 compact instead of having to buy all 3 separately. <br /></div><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPRONr6W0_S8Byj8b3hmqI0Mb2pydSbRhEVicE4dwDpfjBwEKJjtaQbW2pY7Sy4SiWzhykHNKUHbcr2SghNUkNzxMylQI4lLZCCRjDbI_yHAPsfYLf6Q0uvmvuGMyIJq3j9AbwGlqiCPCk/s1600-h/napoleon+primer.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091121337370600290" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPRONr6W0_S8Byj8b3hmqI0Mb2pydSbRhEVicE4dwDpfjBwEKJjtaQbW2pY7Sy4SiWzhykHNKUHbcr2SghNUkNzxMylQI4lLZCCRjDbI_yHAPsfYLf6Q0uvmvuGMyIJq3j9AbwGlqiCPCk/s200/napoleon+primer.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>3) I also found a makeup tip I've never seen before... Napoleon offers <a href="http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P186509&categoryId=C16924">Auto Pilot Pre-Foundation Primer</a> (loaded with good things like chamomile, yarrow, & vitamin E) , . Apply this before your foundation. Then apply foundation only to your cheeks & spread downwards toward jaw line... he says you don't need to apply foundation to your forehead, that Auto Pilot is enough. Hmmm..must check this out at Sephora, as I've never heard of not applying foundation to your forehead.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvU4KoHB-fVO7mJSe5Sjdk_zipoWfmbfTPkfmOPAbur3g3Jq7r2MkGgrhqpQetCAxGOggsZ5EHguitEt_o8jDNP7aONEBCFaGpwKuEJHaV9YVIrEFNHVLwuwe6zUNKt38qXEzRFDPrjWNc/s1600-h/napoleon+perdis.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091121174161843026" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" height="153" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvU4KoHB-fVO7mJSe5Sjdk_zipoWfmbfTPkfmOPAbur3g3Jq7r2MkGgrhqpQetCAxGOggsZ5EHguitEt_o8jDNP7aONEBCFaGpwKuEJHaV9YVIrEFNHVLwuwe6zUNKt38qXEzRFDPrjWNc/s200/napoleon+perdis.jpg" width="172" border="0" /></a></div><div>Don't you just love an Australian accent? And check out Napoleon...isn't he a hottie?</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">(Photos all courtesey & property of Sephora)<br /></span><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>SkinWenchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03558074204840403274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024343397513195855.post-77806256387495975682007-07-20T18:53:00.000+04:002007-07-20T19:39:18.427+04:00Green Lipstick!..and, no, I don't mean the kind that conjures up memories of the Wicked Witch of the West. <div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_3unPdEGWR9_RWEauXSmc3zdbfBjMkMsrDhFcMESXSRKJtDGIZKcNmHaoel4vKP52VNowJ9DC8mH2EWIM03a0ntMs_KpgCcuS45CJ4WJVi7WgfbRLGJTB62qZmnx32x5IegtHV64ExWpV/s1600-h/P172734_lg.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5089297632388939266" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_3unPdEGWR9_RWEauXSmc3zdbfBjMkMsrDhFcMESXSRKJtDGIZKcNmHaoel4vKP52VNowJ9DC8mH2EWIM03a0ntMs_KpgCcuS45CJ4WJVi7WgfbRLGJTB62qZmnx32x5IegtHV64ExWpV/s200/P172734_lg.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>My (green) thumb goes up to <strong>Cargo</strong> who leads the beauty industry into new shades of green with their <strong>PlantLove Botanical Lipstick</strong>! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinuz2i8wIrSPfHb_wT1lCoyBn9O8DAijCAlog7pvTnqsnzunVCJdh4WuF13Yfx-z7J2JTtzDNDbqOiJhqayH7GrlbRIRB-Gp_bDSFYMJ1qouJNbn6CYbeeBp3QEzQibxTaF-QMk6m8ATIj/s1600-h/lipstickmain_products.jpg"></a><br /><br />This revolutionary, eco-friendly lipstick is fabulous for so many various reasons:<br /><br />1) The formula is botanically based & is environmentally friendly. It doesn’t use petroleum derivatives (I.e. mineral oil, etc). It is enriched with castor oil, beeswax, jojoba & shea butter and infused with trademarked <strong>Orchid Complex</strong>(fights free-radicals & reduces fine lines) & meadowfoam seed oil (silky texture, provides fatty acids your skin needs & rejuvenates).<br /><br />By the way, for those of you that don’t know, Cargo makes award-winning lipgloss that’s super moisturizing (a little goopy but great colors & very moisturizing)…so, I would expect no less of their lipstick.<br /><br />2) 5 of the colors were designed by celebs who find this as brilliant as we do:<br />-Evangeline: Evangeline Lily-Lindsay: Lindsay Lohan-Maria: Maria Menounos-Mariska: Mariska Hargitay-Sarah: Sarah Chalke<br /><br />3) The tube is made of a corn derivative. Corn is the new black, by the way. Or at least it’s the new plastic J. For those of you that don’t realize, corn packaging is biodegradable , research shows that plastic does not biodegrade…every piece of plastic which has ever been made is still on this earth…unless it’s been recycled into polar fleece & the like.<br /><br />4) The box the lipstick comes in has seeds imbedded in it. You can rip the box up, plant it in pot or in your flower bed and grow a variety of wildflowers.<br /><br />5) And as if all that wasn’t enough, Cargo is donating $2.00 from the sale of every PlantLove lipstick to the St. Jude’s Research Hospital. This line is not only eco-friendly, but philanthropical as well, investing in our children as well as our environment. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>6) You can also visit their website, <a href="http://www.cargoplantlove.com/">http://www.cargoplantlove.com/</a>, and plant a virtual flower yourself. For every virtual flower planted, Cargo will make a donation to Conservation International (<a href="http://www.conservation.org/">http://www.conservation.org/</a>). You can also attach your name & location to your virtual flower (I planted mine in honor/name of a friend).<br /><br />With all the benefits to yourself, others, the planet, & the future is there any reason that you aren't on your way out the door to Sephora (or clicking on their webiste, <a href="http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml;jsessionid=5Q00SLBSESOU1LAUCJABXCQ?id=P172734&categoryId=C11630">http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml;jsessionid=5Q00SLBSESOU1LAUCJABXCQ?id=P172734&categoryId=C11630</a><a href="http://www.sephora.com/">http://www.sephora.com/</a>) to buy at least 1 (or 2 or 5) </div><div>PlantLove lipstick(s)?</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03xoaKlY_xkRtc3Tm6WwyHJoLzxhikHJvODx0IQsBu1bsTOhUjyZU4xQ4yYGNH-Xbr5nDNWqG_hG3Ru0I18xIbf75yotV1qj336jECrGtK76EocfCsPsd34EXQoStAhkcW4lEUkUlDzWD/s1600-h/popup_pllogo.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5089301798507216402" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03xoaKlY_xkRtc3Tm6WwyHJoLzxhikHJvODx0IQsBu1bsTOhUjyZU4xQ4yYGNH-Xbr5nDNWqG_hG3Ru0I18xIbf75yotV1qj336jECrGtK76EocfCsPsd34EXQoStAhkcW4lEUkUlDzWD/s200/popup_pllogo.gif" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><span style="font-size:78%;">(pictures courtesy & property of Cargo & Sephora)</span></div></div></div>SkinWenchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03558074204840403274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024343397513195855.post-41725456546619652062007-07-18T02:51:00.001+04:002007-07-18T02:57:42.061+04:00Nivea Visage Q10 Night Creme (free sample)For a free sample of Nivea's latest anti-aging product, Nivea Visage Q10 Advanced Wrinkle Reducer Night Creme, & more 'wrinkle saving' facial exercises, check out: <a href="http://www.realsimplerewards.com/rsn/offerings/nivea/index.html">http://www.realsimplerewards.com/rsn/offerings/nivea/index.html</a> <br /><br /><br />(be sure to pay attention to the exercises, folks, and don't just get blind-sighted by the freebie)SkinWenchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03558074204840403274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024343397513195855.post-70374342216800445502007-07-11T19:15:00.000+04:002007-07-11T19:20:13.326+04:00Baby, it's hot out there!Both sides of this country are in the midst of heat waves. Here in New York, most of us do not have central a/c. I, for one, only have a/c in my bedroom. Most of us also usually walk or use public transport ation to get ourselves from point A to point B.<br /><br />So, as the ‘real feel’ temp soared to 105 F or above yesterday with approx. 80% humidity (felt like 110%) and subway stations probably a minimum of 10 degrees warmer, none of us could move far without massively shvitzing.<br /><br />It made me remember a product I’d once heard of… lotion which dries to powder. I definitely need powder everywhere right now, and I absolutely hate the mess that powder makes both in my bathroom & on my clothes.<br /><br />So, in honor of summer’s high temps & our desire to be cool & dry, here’s a list of liquid to powder products:<br /><br /><br />1) <strong>Banana Boat Sport Dri-Block Advanced AvoTriplex UVA/UVB Sunblock SPF30</strong>: <a href="http://www.gransremedy.co.nz/11/id2.htm">http://www.gransremedy.co.nz/11/id2.htm</a>. This is great, as we all need the sunblock as well in this heat..even when just walking down the street or in the car. They also make a Dri-Block Kids formula: <a href="http://www.bananaboat.com/products/10944.aspx?cat=6&curBrowseBy=SPF">http://www.bananaboat.com/products/10944.aspx?cat=6&curBrowseBy=SPF</a> <br /><br />2) <strong>Bodywares Silky Smooth Liquid Powder</strong>: <a href="http://www.bodywares.com/solutions/body/bath/bp02.htm">http://www.bodywares.com/solutions/body/bath/bp02.htm</a> (This is an all natural, cruelty-free, and environmentally ‘sound’ company from their claims on their homepage. They also claim they will refill their containers at a discount…but I’m confused how this is done if they are an online business.)<br /><br />3) <strong>Epoch Baby Babassu Liquid Powder</strong>: <a href="http://www.nuskin.com/corp/product/epoch/babypowder.shtml">http://www.nuskin.com/corp/product/epoch/babypowder.shtml</a> (this is a product of NuSkin. I sold their products when I was a teen & they have a good reputation). The whole family can use this one.<br /><br />4) <strong>Baby Silk’s Silky Liquid Powder</strong>: <a href="http://www.whatshebuys.com/sil-2002.html">http://www.whatshebuys.com/sil-2002.html</a> (This one is formulated by MD Mothers…moms who are also pediatricians ). Again, there’s nothing to stop the whole family from using this.<br /><br />5) <strong>Zeasorb–AF Lotion Powder</strong>: <a href="http://www.aaaskindoctor.com/zeasorbliquid.html">www.aaaskindoctor.com/zeasorbliquid.html</a> . This one contains medicated powder, but is good for anti-fungal issues.<br /><br />6) <strong>For Feet: Gran’s Remedy Foot Lotion for Smelly Feet</strong>: <a href="http://www.gransremedy.co.nz/11/id4.htm">http://www.gransremedy.co.nz/11/id4.htm</a> now couldn’t we all use some of that?? They also have cooling foot powder , <a href="http://www.gransremedy.co.nz/11/id2.htm">http://www.gransremedy.co.nz/11/id2.htm</a>, which I could use right about now. (Remember, the hands & feet are the temperature controls of the body). Drawback: they are in New Zealand. Here’s one a little closer, but it’s in the UK <a href="http://www.dooyoo.co.uk/skin-care/the-sanctuary-liquid-foot-powder/">http://www.dooyoo.co.uk/skin-care/the-sanctuary-liquid-foot-powder/</a><br /><br />7) <strong>Carita Powder Lotion</strong>: <a href="http://www.carita.com/prod/prod.php?ref=3271000">http://www.carita.com/prod/prod.php?ref=3271000</a> This one is for the face only & is good for normal to oily skin. Umm…they’re in France too, but who knows, some of you might be escaping to the EU this summer.<br /><br />8) Huggies makes Liquid Powder which you can buy many places online. However, I’m wondering if it has been discontinued, as I cannot find it on their website.<br /><br />9) Ladies for those feminine bits that are affected by the heat, there's <strong>Monistat Soothing Care Chafing Relief Powder-Gel</strong> to help: <a href="http://www.monistat.com/soothingcare/products_chafing_gel.htm">http://www.monistat.com/soothingcare/products_chafing_gel.htm</a><br /><br /><br />Stay cool & dry out there folks!!SkinWenchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03558074204840403274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024343397513195855.post-22167922695760795982007-07-11T17:28:00.000+04:002007-07-11T17:39:41.139+04:00The Science of Getting CleanHow does soap clean?<br /><br />Science has never been my forte. I took college chemistry during summer school so I wouldn’t have to take the full semester course. So, it befuddles me that my lackluster for the sciences is coming back to bite me where it counts most.<br /><br />The more I sell (wholesale) different handmade bath lines, the more I get to know about making soap, and the more I realize this is a scientific process, not just fun & games or arts & crafts.<br /><br />Soaps are always so much fun to look at, feel & sniff in the store, purchase, and use at home. I figured making them was just as easy as combining a few ingredients. But, like everything else, it’s not always as easy as it looks.<br /><br />I recently received a newsletter from The Handcrafted Soap Makers Guild, <a href="http://www.soapguild.org/">www.soapguild.org</a>, (a great organization by the way) with all kinds of scientific information I just can’t seem to absorb. I completely appreciate this education, but for some reason, I can’t wrap my little brain around it. So, I’ve decided to let the rest of the world make my soaps…I’ll just be content to sell it… no mad scientist soap lab for me. (You serious soap makers out there will be happy to know I’m not one of those that thinks that because I think I can use melt & pour that I think I’m a soap maker. I know better than to insult you like that.)<br /><br />However, for those of you science buffs, check out this great article explaining how soap cleans..and then, can someone please translate it to English for me ??<br /><br /><a href="http://chemistry.about.com/library/weekly/aa081301a.htm">http://chemistry.about.com/library/weekly/aa081301a.htm</a><br /><br />Maybe they should teach soap making at MIT. In fact, I think you cold & hot press soap makers should call yourselves Soap Engineers, not soapers or soap maker.<br /><br />Who knew that how our skin gets clean is a very scientific process. I always just thought it was a matter of soap & water.SkinWenchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03558074204840403274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024343397513195855.post-25512428647095649952007-07-09T19:05:00.000+04:002007-07-09T20:00:39.896+04:00Anthony, my new hero!So, I usually consult women on how to care for their skin; however, a male friend has asked me to put together a regime for him. In doing so, I’m finding that men’s products (& the philosophies behind them) are completely different from women’s lines.<br /><br />1) Lines seem more image oriented over performance.<br />2) Anti-aging eye cream for men is next to impossible to find<br />3) Almost all products, including night time serums relate back to shaving<br />4) Active ingredients are not stressed in marketing<br />5) Prices are much lower than women’s products of same quality level.<br /><br /><br /><br />I visited 3 men’s lines counters at Bloomingdales the other day. I asked each sales associate, “So, what makes this men's line special?” (I was trying to find each line’s niche). Each time I received a generic reply of, “They're good. Men like them, and they seem to work.” There were no performance claims as in, “ these are loaded with anti-oxidants & have AHA’s & salycilic acid to help them exfoliate & prevent ingrown hairs”, “they are anti-aging & use peptides” or “the line is designed for men with sensitive skin”…none of it. They were just ‘good’ & men like them. Men must be an easy sell ;). I am not so easy, however…ever ;-).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi279_ET9iH73arV5uZwKelrFNfMJV-4MF3whpXytX2j8cQunNrwOUPW3gB1lOA-zVCyqgkBtJl6YgJSDpZNRqw_cvpgTss9aFxjiS85K_RoP2G8m2RUdYhiOfYRc0DsyOLd2KQJcRepAKw/s1600-h/anthony+set.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5085221154550427842" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" height="193" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi279_ET9iH73arV5uZwKelrFNfMJV-4MF3whpXytX2j8cQunNrwOUPW3gB1lOA-zVCyqgkBtJl6YgJSDpZNRqw_cvpgTss9aFxjiS85K_RoP2G8m2RUdYhiOfYRc0DsyOLd2KQJcRepAKw/s200/anthony+set.jpg" width="200" border="0" /></a><br />So, I popped over to Sephora. I was taken to Anthony Logistics for Men (known as Anthony) , <a href="http://www.anthony.com/">http://www.anthony.com/</a> where the SA (short for Sales Associate) stated it was her favorite. When I asked why, she stated that these products were made of high-quality, mostly natural ingredients & that her son & boyfriend love this line. She also said that even women come in and buy it for themselves, because the of the quality of the products (is this the reverse of men wanting to use our Secret deodorant, ladies?) .<br /><br /><br /><br />I have to say, as I have researched this line & checked out the ingredients of Anthony’s products, compared with the men’s lines of some of the department store lines, I felt that these products were really suited towards the serious needs/ concerns of men, as opposed to the other lines just trying to cash in on a general ‘mens’ niche.<br /><br />Anthony seems to be ‘real’ skin care for men.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ9NQP5D-hS2o6ULqxyOgJwahXCvPGNBJuB8ZfmhOE4dm1A17MFumBSY0rDuUAwWHNyacW90jhk0Rv3vn88qJKOEYpXloam9XSIyxHaGs41ZUdE1s3lMBN7EWdxXlEgSa0QmG0LLpvWV04/s1600-h/anthony+spf15+moisturizer.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5085225075855569154" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 140px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 128px" height="128" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ9NQP5D-hS2o6ULqxyOgJwahXCvPGNBJuB8ZfmhOE4dm1A17MFumBSY0rDuUAwWHNyacW90jhk0Rv3vn88qJKOEYpXloam9XSIyxHaGs41ZUdE1s3lMBN7EWdxXlEgSa0QmG0LLpvWV04/s200/anthony+spf15+moisturizer.jpg" width="172" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It is one of the only lines I found which actually puts an SPF (15) in their moisturizer (why would other lines put SPF in their women’s moisturizers & not in their men’s I’m wondering?). This line uses proven ingredients such as glycolic acid, sea algae, anti-oxidants, green tea, shea butter, caffeine (by the way, in an article I read somewhere..can’t remember where…it stated that caffeine has been proven to improve men’s skin while it does nothing for women), aloe, etc.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggURB9I6v1fUdi4XdBH_cox4WnUFecTJhCirITj2h_J0igDNRcoL0FlfnBzduGjR79-9l6414ID4MDKAiVc04cK9MM-Ky0hg58NeM-LQxVL1lPTw9l-gPZdXrgMdynLlk8AEF3hRt7MDnV/s1600-h/anthony+eye+cream.jpg"></a><br /><br />Anthony also has anti-aging products in their line, which are almost impossible to find in men’s skin care. I still can’t understand this, as most men I know are just as concerned about wrinkles as the women I know. In fact, Anthony has one of the only anti-aging men’s eye cr<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggURB9I6v1fUdi4XdBH_cox4WnUFecTJhCirITj2h_J0igDNRcoL0FlfnBzduGjR79-9l6414ID4MDKAiVc04cK9MM-Ky0hg58NeM-LQxVL1lPTw9l-gPZdXrgMdynLlk8AEF3hRt7MDnV/s1600-h/anthony+eye+cream.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5085221304874283218" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" height="159" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggURB9I6v1fUdi4XdBH_cox4WnUFecTJhCirITj2h_J0igDNRcoL0FlfnBzduGjR79-9l6414ID4MDKAiVc04cK9MM-Ky0hg58NeM-LQxVL1lPTw9l-gPZdXrgMdynLlk8AEF3hRt7MDnV/s200/anthony+eye+cream.jpg" width="140" border="0" /></a>eams I could find. Half of men’s lines don’t even have an eye cream , & most men’s eye creams on the market only address puffiness & dark circles. Are all you men out there not sleeping at night? And why aren’t you insisting on ingredients which help prevent (more) wrinkles from showing up? Grey hair is one thing, but wrinkles are the same on men and women…they just make us look older, not more sophisticated.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />All Anthony products scored less than a 4 on the Skin Deep (see my post from 7/4/07) ‘danger’ scale as well. Bravo!<br /><br />Oh, and did I mention that the company donates a portion of their profits to charity to help fight against prostrate cancer? Great work, Anthony! Even more incentive to purchase from companies that give back, folks!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div>And check out his Little Men product so that little boys can be just like Dad: <a href="http://www.anthony.com/index.cfm/a/catalog.prodshow/vid/341/catid/195">http://www.anthony.com/index.cfm/a/catalog.prodshow/vid/341/catid/195</a> . I'd love to see him add some kind of non-harmful, good for little boys' skin, shaving cream with <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifsa75dSosvNGDEjvouGrLOLt5rbzYd7_02NpgmOhF-56-ivZxK2MWA7hWVMgzwtfDNrLoJ2VeA_JQ31EutYeU8wbU-CYW6ux3Y3F-h5BY39_3_FQaLAfozO8epK4yAwqentpGgQGDpfii/s1600-h/anthonly+little+men.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5085226686468305170" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 119px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 149px" height="191" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifsa75dSosvNGDEjvouGrLOLt5rbzYd7_02NpgmOhF-56-ivZxK2MWA7hWVMgzwtfDNrLoJ2VeA_JQ31EutYeU8wbU-CYW6ux3Y3F-h5BY39_3_FQaLAfozO8epK4yAwqentpGgQGDpfii/s200/anthonly+little+men.jpg" width="139" border="0" /></a>a plastic, dull edge 'razor' so that little boys could 'shave' with Dad too :). Wouldn't that be a great father's day gift...a kit that had shave creams, razors , and after shave balm for both?? :-) ...maybe even a cleanser too, but I don't want to push anything ;). </div><br /><br /><div>Any of you men out there need more advice? I'm becoming a bonafied, self-proclaimed expert on the men's skin care industry as well..at least all of the knowledgable sales associates at Sephora & Barneys think so. As for the SAs at Bloomies, well.... they didn't seem to like it when I showed to have more men's skin care knowledge than they did. </div><div></div><br /><br /><div>Anthony, I salute you for addressing the <em>real</em> skin needs of men! And, dude, I don't know how old you are, but in your picture on your website, <a href="http://www.anthony.com/index.cfm/a/article.show/artid/4">http://www.anthony.com/index.cfm/a/article.show/artid/4</a>, you look like you are 20. If you are anywhere near 40, I'll start using your products myself ;-).</div>SkinWenchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03558074204840403274noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024343397513195855.post-60864649403240138642007-07-07T19:36:00.000+04:002007-07-07T19:54:06.543+04:00The Paraben Dilemma<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Parabens</span><br /><br />There’s a big fuss in natural products about being ‘<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">paraben</span> free’. In fact, I understand from a very lovely <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">perfumist</span> I met yesterday at Barney's that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">parabens</span> have just been banned in Europe. Most people wonder what '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">paraben</span> free' means, exactly...and I have to admit that I represent a line of products that are all natural & being '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">paraben</span>-free' is a selling point. I realized that I wasn't entirely sure why that was such a great thing. So, I did a little homework. Now we all can know.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Parabens</span> are synthetic preservatives. They are also the most widely used preservative used in skincare products, according to the FDA. Preservatives are used in products to prevent microbial bacterial growth in products.. protecting consumers & maintaining what is known as ‘product integrity’. Basically, without <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">parabens</span> or some other form of preservative, your lotions, shower gels, etc would mold. Just imagine, you've taken a nice long shower; you've cleansed and scrubbed and now you feel <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">squeeky</span> clean & can't wait to put on your favorite yummy smelling body cream....only to open up the jar & find it molded. Yuck! And imagine how much money we would throw away. So, that should make us all pro-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">paraben</span>, right?<br /><br />Well, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">parabens</span> have been accused of disrupting hormones & have been suggested to be linked to breast cancer & other estrogen related diseases…although testing is still inconclusive. It seems that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">parabens</span> act <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">similiarly</span> to estrogen, but have a weaker effect than estrogen. Let me re-iterate, as there are different sources out there… <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">parabens</span> mimic estrogen, they are not estrogen. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Estrogenic</span> activity is linked to certain forms of breast cancer, fetal defects, & <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">parabens</span> have been blamed in many cases.<br /><br />However, on their website (<a href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/">www.mayoclinic.com</a>), the Mayo Clinic states that the link between <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">parabens</span> in anti-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">perspirants</span> & deodorants & cancer (remember all the scary emails that every friend who cared about you sent around a few years ago?) is a myth…that there is no proven link that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">parabens</span> cause or increase risk of breast cancer.<br /><br />I’m no doctor or health expert, but if there were a history of breast cancer in my family, I might want to avoid <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">parabens</span> just to be on the safe side. Even if there is no family history of breast cancer, some people are choosing to avoid potential issues by avoiding <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">parabens</span>. This is up to you to decide.<br /><br />The Fat Problem, <a href="http://www.thefatproblem.com/">www.thefatproblem.com</a>, also claims that since estrogen helps regulate the fat cells in your body, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">parabens</span> mimic estrogen, yes, your shampoo could be making you fat! That’s all the motivation I need to stay away from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">parabens</span>. They also claim (probably correctly) that when <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">parabens</span> are washed down our bath/shower drain they then infiltrate our drinking water. But they don’t stop there… they go as far to say that the water gets into soil & then gets into animals & causes defects in them. Wow! Who knew that washing my hair was going to cause defects in animals? This sounds like pretty serious stuff.<br /><br />There are many <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">paraben</span> free products out there. Some use this as a marketing claim on their packaging, some do not (i.e. the couple’s line I represent, <a href="http://www.cmcouples.com/">www.cmcouples.com</a>, is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">paraben</span> free, and is part of the marketing to retailers, but is not listed anywhere on the packaging other than you will not find any <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">parabens</span> in the list of ingredients) ..so always be sure to read the ingredients to check.<br /><br />Also, never trust a sales associate to know the truth. I have to say I was at a very fancy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">deparment</span> store recently & was told a line was natural 'based'. I asked if the line was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">paraben</span> free & was told it was. When I was shown the packaged product, the ingredient list on the box showed 5 types of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">parabens</span> in one product. I don't think anyone was trying to deceive me, I just think that some sales associates don't have all of the product knowledge they need.<br /><br />So, how do you avoid <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">parabens</span>? Here’s what to look for in a list of ingredients: <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">methylparaben</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">propylparaben</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">butylparaben</span>, or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">benzylparaben</span> . If you are looking to avoid <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">parabens</span>, you want to keep an eye out for & avoid all of the above.<br /><br />Just so you know, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">parabens</span> are also used as preservatives in the food & drug industries as well…be sure to read your labels or ask your pharmacist if you are avoiding <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">parabens</span>. Be warned…they will turn up in the most unexpected places.<br /><br />As for me, I've decided to keep an eye on them...for now, I won't 'not buy a product' because it has <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">parabens</span>, but I will keep an eye on where they appear in the ingredient list (preferably at the bottle of the list), & I'll try to have some <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">paraben</span>-free products as well. I'd like there to be a bit of balance in my products. Too much of anything can't be a good thing...unless it's chocolate.SkinWenchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03558074204840403274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024343397513195855.post-21414664767888190492007-07-05T18:53:00.000+04:002007-07-05T19:42:14.569+04:00Toner--the Misunderstood Skin Care ProductWe all know that a cleanser cleanses the skin. A moisturizer, well, moisturizes the skin (amongst other things). But what does a toner do? Provide sleek defined muscle lines to your face? It seems many people don't know or have <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">misconstrued</span> thoughts on the function of a toner.<br /><br />While searching for something else today, I came across a Q&A on a Yahoo message board that was totally inaccurate. As one dedicated to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">empowering</span> people to take better care of their skin, I felt obliged to clear this matter up immediately…<br /><br />*quote*<br /><br /><br />Q: What does a toner do?<br /><br />A: It improves the skin’s firmness…or so the beauty industry says.<br /><br /><br />*unquote*<br /><br /><br />This is completely incorrect.<br /><br />First, let me clarify that we are not talking the black powder that fills your printer, we are talking the liquid that is applied to your face after cleansing.<br /><br />While certain toners may include ingredients which they claim will help firm your skin (debatable), the real/main function of a toner is to restore the pH balance of your skin after cleansing.<br /><br />Skin averages a pH balance of 4.5 - 5.5 in order to protect from outside elements (bacteria, toxins, dirt, pollution, allergies, etc.). For those of you that know your pH scale, this means that skin is a little on the acidic side (water is pH 7.0 and is considered pH neutral).<br /><br />Your skin usually maintains it’s pH balance naturally through perspiration, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">sebum</span> (fatty secretions), & hormones.<br /><br />Most soaps (with average pH of 9.5 – 10) & water off-set the pH balance of your skin by wiping off what is known as your skin’s natural ‘acidic shield’. If you use a washcloth, the majority of laundry detergents have a pH balance of 10 – 12, which is not fully eliminated in the rinse cycle & leaves alkaline residue behind…which affects your skin as well. After cleansing, skin can take between 2 hours (for the fastest) up to 36 hours (for sensitive skin) to naturally restore its pH balance. During this time, your skin can be more vulnerable to the damaging elements previously listed above.<br /><br />Another benefit of toner is that it also picks up any dirt & grime that your cleanser <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">didn</span>’t get. This is sometimes how I know if a new cleanser really works or not (i.e. how much dirt is on my cotton pad after I tone).<br /><br /><br />Restoring pH balance also helps your skin accept all serums & moisturizers better, meaning that they will perform better too.<br /><br />This, my friends, is the job description of a skin toner. Any questions?SkinWenchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03558074204840403274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024343397513195855.post-1963760509892016672007-07-04T17:08:00.000+04:002007-07-04T17:23:47.498+04:00The Skin Care PoliceCheck out this product safety website, Skin Deep, which I stumbled upon yesterday. It rates skincare products, including makeup, by their level of safety.<br /><br />Skin Deep: <a href="http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/">http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/</a><br /><br />Skin Deep is a non-profit which operates independently from the FDA (which 'regulates' all products which touch the skin) & has nothing to do with the government. They have evaluated almost 25,000 products based on toxicity & regulatory issues. I’m sure their site has some of your favorites, check it out. You might just find that your treasured Lancome anti-aging sunscreen could potentially have adverse effects on your nervous system (who would have thought about this?).<br /><br />I was shocked while searching for ‘mango butter’ when I stumbled upon a listing for The Body Shop’s Mango Body Butter (this used to be one of my all time favorite body butters in the winter) which rated the product as an 7 (10 being the most dangerous, 0 being not harmful at all). Check it out:<br /><a href="http://skindeep.ewg.org/product.php?prod_id=80219&refurl=%2Fwordsearch.php%3Fquery%3Dmango+butter%26">http://skindeep.ewg.org/product.php?prod_id=80219&refurl=%2Fwordsearch.php%3Fquery%3Dmango+butter%26</a><br /><br />The site also gives my precious Olay Regenerist Regenerating Collection (<a href="http://www.olay.com/">www.olay.com</a>) a big, fat 10!<br /><br />One of my other favorite lines, Avon Anew, <a href="http://www.avon.com/">www.avon.com</a> (yes, folks, Avon makes some great anti-aging products) rates mostly 3-7 with 1 product even rating a 10.<br />Jane Iredale’s mineral cosmetics (<a href="http://www.janeiredale.com/">www.janeiredale.com</a>) mostly ranged from 0 to 4, most with ratings of 1-3. Her pressed powders rated an impressive 0, while a very few of her eye & lip products earned 4’s.<br /><br />Skin Deep gave my beloved Bare Escentuals (<a href="http://www.bareescentuals.com/">www.bareescentuals.com</a>) ratings from 2-4. A few blushes scored 2’s while the rest of the line mostly earned 3’s , including all of BE’s lip products. Many BE eye products rated 4.<br /><br />Check & see what your favorite products could be doing to your body: <a href="http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/">http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/</a><br /><br />By the way, the site also has a link on their homepage to a full summary of sunscreens...what works & what's safe! I suggest taking a look over it for the sake of your skin.<br /><br />Well, while I appreciate the ratings, and think it’s important that we all are aware of what we are putting in & on our bodies, I’m not sure I’ll be giving up Regenerist (by the way, not all the products scored 10, but the “collection” did) or Anew (or any others for that matter). I still eat French fries, & I’ll still use my Regenerist..but at least I know now the potential downfalls of both; and at least I’ll still be lookin’ good when I keel over from my coronary ;).<br /><br />Happy 4th of July to all my American readers! Celebrate your freedom to choose what's right for your skin!<br /><br />Also, a huge thank you to those who risk their lives every day so that we can all sit back, sip a beer (or a margarita), watch the 4th of July fireworks, & participate in the daily freedoms which most of us take for granted! Bless you..today & always!SkinWenchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03558074204840403274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024343397513195855.post-9248617703254983042007-07-03T23:55:00.000+04:002007-07-03T23:59:03.906+04:00Great Info on SunscreensCheck out this clip on U.S. News for some general info on choosing a sunscreen:<br /><br /><a href="http://usnews.feedroom.com/?fr_story=8ae767de9da7e696c84938fda6a2a4f73b4e78ee&fr_chl=c7e190546871ef6b81ea2c264782f93c03a69fd7&s_cid=et:=0703">http://usnews.feedroom.com/?fr_story=8ae767de9da7e696c84938fda6a2a4f73b4e78ee&fr_chl=c7e190546871ef6b81ea2c264782f93c03a69fd7&s_cid=et:=0703</a><br /><br />I especially like the trick of remembering UVA & UVB:<br /><br />UVA are the rays that age you...think UVA - Aging<br /><br />UVB are the rays that burn you ... think UVB - BurnSkinWenchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03558074204840403274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024343397513195855.post-19857524962794981642007-07-03T18:49:00.000+04:002007-07-03T18:54:01.303+04:00Kitchen AidIs your skin feeling a bit dry after too much sun? Reach into your cupboard and grab the bottle of Safflower oil. Yes, safflower oil. No, we aren’t going to make salad dressing, we are going to give your skin back moisture by applying it directly to our skin (sans vinegar & seasonings).<br /><br />Safflower oil is high in linoleic acid which our bodies usually produce on their own to keep our skin moisturized. However, as with everything else, production slows as we get older.<br /><br />Safflower oil is odorless (unless you’ve kept it in the cupboard too long & it’s gone rancid…don’t use it in this case), colorless, and best of all, cheap!<br /><br />It’s great for the whole body, use it anywhere you need some moisture. Just be sure that you don’t need to rush off in a New York minute after you’ve applied, as it does take a little longer to absorb into your skin (it is an oil after all). You can even apply it (lightly) to your face (avoiding your eye area) if you feel the need for some extra moisture. Apply after cleansing, toning & serums, but before your moisturizer.<br /><br />Olive oil is also high in linoleic acid, but last time I checked, most folks are not attracted to people who smell like salad. Be kind to your neighbors (& yourself) & go with safflower oil.<br />By the way, this works wonders in winter too when skin is in need of relief from dry, aching, flakiness…and much cheaper than all those expensive lotions.<br /><br />Oh, and don’t forget to add sun protection before you go out the door... you know what oil does in the frying pan…SkinWenchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03558074204840403274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024343397513195855.post-16340527453698932992007-06-29T02:57:00.000+04:002007-06-29T03:07:58.311+04:00The Newest Anti-Aging Miracle<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeWY2ks6s6w29fDcKa5LUEozpLoP4ykZ3Ji9aAPB8SzQz22zOUUxxR-o8F2cczWX8m1L2sUm__8TOUhHvatJcOR7QTWTrhsZ1WS8cxesymCtes8DUp0RxhqyLuJTYiiie9NdrGeQE3NBhl/s1600-h/No.7.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5081254094203382850" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeWY2ks6s6w29fDcKa5LUEozpLoP4ykZ3Ji9aAPB8SzQz22zOUUxxR-o8F2cczWX8m1L2sUm__8TOUhHvatJcOR7QTWTrhsZ1WS8cxesymCtes8DUp0RxhqyLuJTYiiie9NdrGeQE3NBhl/s200/No.7.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>The Fountain of Youth? Miracle in a bottle? </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Or the wonders of modern technology??</div><br /><div><a href="http://www.boots.com/brandtreatment/product_details_brand_treatment.jsp?productid=1057525&classificationid=1031482">http://www.boots.com/brandtreatment/product_details_brand_treatment.jsp?productid=1057525&classificationid=1031482</a></div><br /><div><br />Well, whether it’s skin science or hype, the English are getting in line to find out. Retailers in the U.K. can’t keep Boots No.7 Protect & Perfect Beauty Serum in stock. It claims to produce younger looking skin in 4 weeks. 4 weeks to younger skin? I’m in!</div><br /><div>The product was featured on the BBC’s Horizon science program (or at the English say, programme) as having been “scientifically proved that it repairs photo-aged skin and improves the fine wrinkles associated with photo-ageing.” (<a href="http://www.boots.com/">http://www.boots.com/</a>) Photo-aged skin, for those of you that don’t know means (mostly) sun damage (the leading cause of wrinkles/ aging in the majority of the population of humankind).</div><div><br />Can you imagine? Every British woman over 20 who watched that episode of Horizon must have been in line at the Boots Pharmacy 20 minutes later. I wonder if there are any statistics for traffic following such revelations. </div><br /><div>According to an article I found at <a href="http://www.earthtimes.org/">http://www.earthtimes.org/</a> Boots sold 160,000 bottles of the new ‘potion’ in one weekend, and has had to limit customers to 1 bottle per person. They even handed out tickets to women in line to reserve product. I’m picturing mobs like for the Nintendo Wii release.<br /></div><br /><div>The No.7 serum claims to do what all it's competition does…smoothes lines & wrinkles, as well as reducing appearance of pores using all the usual…anti-oxidants, pro-retinol, etc. What makes it different? I can’t really seem to figure it out... except that it's been scientifically proven. </div><div>Anyone have any further news? Any speculations?<br /></div><div>Did I mention that it’s less than $40? Approx $33 to be exact (I know, oxymoron… but we are talking fluctuating rates here, friends). Who knew the fountain of youth was going to be so cheap? </div><div><br />The only problem seems to be that the company can only manufacture 20,000 bottles/week. With demand so great in the UK, when oh when will we see it here in the U.S.? So, I’m currently taking donations for a flight to London ;)…I’ll even bring you back one too. </div>SkinWenchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03558074204840403274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024343397513195855.post-30839925476127863452007-05-31T17:22:00.000+04:002007-05-31T17:31:11.397+04:00Lancome special<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbfLzQT8Dxke5vGf3RvC4et_G01mbh6oPnwK2A5j-MZMJLmCmI744yUoT79w4lCtqqZUKGOsdRpK9_RTRUpiA2oFEmjuY4cJCZ-NuI11F_iduzDwSF9pBryM-ZWB9rnkIpmVHwQ5WH1Y71/s1600-h/lancome+special.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070716353795976034" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbfLzQT8Dxke5vGf3RvC4et_G01mbh6oPnwK2A5j-MZMJLmCmI744yUoT79w4lCtqqZUKGOsdRpK9_RTRUpiA2oFEmjuY4cJCZ-NuI11F_iduzDwSF9pBryM-ZWB9rnkIpmVHwQ5WH1Y71/s200/lancome+special.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div>For those of you who love Lancome, <a href="http://www.lancome-usa.com">www.lancome-usa.com</a> is having a promo right now...free shipping & a free 5 pc. travel set with a $50 purchase (just one skin care product will usually do the trick...try their Renergie products which I blogged about a couple of days ago as being the 2nd most effective). There are 2 different travel sets to choose from, so pick your coupon code based on which set you would like here: <a href="http://www.lancome-usa.com/landing/TRAVEL7.aspx?cm_mmc=SendTec-_-CPA-_-Banner468x60-_-TRAVEL71">http://www.lancome-usa.com/landing/TRAVEL7.aspx?cm_mmc=SendTec-_-CPA-_-Banner468x60-_-TRAVEL71</a> . Both look great to me! I'd probably go with the one with the High Resolution products in it though. Oh, and Juicy Tubes (lipgloss) are great no matter what color you've got. They are sometimes a little sticky, but Lancome makes the best colors, and they are pocket/purse/travel friendly!</div></div>SkinWenchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03558074204840403274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024343397513195855.post-16696365309316805452007-05-29T18:26:00.000+04:002007-05-29T18:34:50.436+04:00Calling All Ministers...Yes, I'm sure I have a huge percentage of ministers reading my blog...not. But just in case, O Holy Clergy check out this blog I found when I searched Google for for "Extremely Wrinkled Face Photo": <a href="http://www.beautytipsforministers.com">www.beautytipsforministers.com</a> . Now I know there is a website for <em>everything</em> out there!<br /><br />I love their byline: "Because you are in the public eye & God knows you need to look good."<br /><br />Here's my question though...does Beauty Tips for Ministers not conflict with the vanity commandment? ;) (please note I realize that my blog is about beauty tips/vanity also, but I'm, thankfully, not a minister ). Or do ministers need to look good to reflect the beauty of God?<br /><br />Food for thought...and prayer ;).SkinWenchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03558074204840403274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024343397513195855.post-3177867502156404032007-05-29T16:14:00.000+04:002007-06-01T19:49:50.171+04:00Scrub, Baby, ScrubI <em>love</em> sugar & salt scrubs but am very particular on which ones I love. I hate the type of sugar scrub that leaves a ring of grease in my tub. I want the oils on my body, not the tub (my tub does not need moisturizing 1/2 as much as I do).<br /><br /><br /><br />I came across this formula for a Homemade Scrub. I can't wait to make it (once my 24 other scrubs are used up). However, I thought I'd spare you the waiting for me to use up all my scrubs before I shared the recipe. It sounds absolutely delightful! (and, of course, if anyone makes it and feels obliged to send me some, you'll have my eternal gratitude).<br /><br /><br /><br />BODY SCRUB<br /><br />½ cup brown sugar<br /><br />½ cup white sugar<br /><br />½ cup coarse salt<br /><br />2 tablespoons of avocado oil<br /><br />¼ cup of your favorite liquid soap<br /><br />Any ONE of the following:<br /><br />- Juice from ½ of a grapefruit<br /><br />- Juice from a lemon<br /><br />- Grated peel from a lemon or lime<br /><br />- ½ cup of chopped cranberries<br /><br />- ¼ cup of rose salt<br /><br />- 2 tablespoons from of an essential oil (Lavender is the author's favorite)<br /><br /><br /><br />(Nancy's note: I personally want to add cranberries & grapefruit w/ a little bit of lime & lavender...yes, as always, I want it <em>all. </em>I also suggest Dead Sea Salts for the required salt, but regular salt will do just fine. I just bought some fine grain European Spa salts at Wholesale Supplies Plus, <a href="http://www.WholesaleSuppliesPlus.com">www.WholesaleSuppliesPlus.com</a> , which I plan to substitute in to my scrub when I make it. )<br /><br /><br /><br />Mix together in a bowl. When in the shower, rub all over from head to toes. Rinse with cold water – as cold as you can stand it. Use once a week.<br /><br /><br />I found this recipe at <a href="http://www.robinmcgraw.com/">http://www.robinmcgraw.com/</a>. Check out this website for more skincare recipes. (I'll be posting more homemade recipes from time to time as well.)<br /><br /><br /><br />Bon apetite..umm, I mean Happy Scrubbing!SkinWenchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03558074204840403274noreply@blogger.com0