A Guide To Beauty Product Labels

With all the thousands of products out there, there are tons of words that are thrown at you that you might not understand.


I recently found a good article from  Real Simple.com that can help you out.
Here are some commonly found words used in marketing that will help you understand what you are buying or what you should be looking for to target your specific beauty needs!  

A Guide to Beauty-Product Labels

By Sally Wadyka

You don't need a Ph.D. in chemistry to decipher the terms: Real Simple translates.

Winter Essentials

OMG.  This winter weather is unbearable!?!?! Old Man Winter~ You're killing me!!!

Now, I'm the type of girl that carries jackets and sweaters around in the summer, but this is ridiculous!
We've had too many snowstorms on the East Coast (and there's still a lot of winter left!), the wind and cold air is brutal, and everyone is sick!

Unfortunately, there's nothing we can do to change the weather for the better right now  (although I definitely think we've contributed in making it worse~ GLOBAL WARMING!!!)
However, there are things we can do to stay warm, stay healthy, look and feel better!

Here are my tips on surviving this horrible, terrible, no-good, very bad winter!

*~*~* These are all older posts, but it's the same advice I'd give now and it may be new to you!  *~*~*

Handy Hand Creams

This East Coast Winter is beautiful.... but unbearable.
One of the side effects of the cold, dry winter air I see everywhere is extremely dry hands.
It's unattractive, it's uncomfortable, and it's unnecessary.

Get a good hand cream and it will definitely help you fight off the negative effects of the nasty winter weather.

If you have extremely rough and dry skin, wash your hands a million times a day, and have hands so chapped that they're starting to crack, I HIGHLY recommend investing in a paraffin bath.   It really does make a huge difference~ I've been using it almost every day to keep my hands soft, moisturized, and warm!

Here are my favorite hand creams.  All of these products are ones that I have tried over the years and continue to buy:

'Cause no one wants to hold  dry, chapped, hands

Beauty Resolutions For 2011

Ahhh... A New Year.  A New Start.  A New Beginning.
For most people, January 1 is a time of renewal and the start of a "clean slate".
An excuse to get rid of bad habits and a time to start good ones.

Here are some of the top 10 Beauty Habits I hope you will follow.
Yes, they're obvious.... but if you actually put in the effort, I know you will see results.

Bio-Oil

When I was in Kenya this summer, my skin was a disaster.
It was so irritated and dry that even wiping my face with a baby wipe was painful.

I didn't bring many products with me, but luckily, I brought my bottle of Bio-Oil.

Spray Away: My Favorite Face Mists

Summer is hot hot hot.

One item that I always use year round (but is especially good for warm weather) is a face mist.

* Spray before putting on moisture to add a little more hydration
* Mist throughout the day for a quick and refreshing pick-me-up
* Use when you're skin is feeling a little dry and you don't want to put on a moisturizer
* Works on all skin types: Dry for an instant refresher, Oily for moisture without the heaviness of a lotion
* Great for travel~ especially on planes or places where the air is very dry

When Life Hands You Lemons... Rub It On Your Face~*

So I've been on a "Natural Beauty" kick lately.
I'm trying to steer away from putting weird products/chemicals that I can't even pronounce all over my face and body.
That means I've been experimenting with random things in the kitchen to see what works and what doesn't.

My latest trick that I was testing out at home, but was put to the test in Africa is an easy, cheap, and natural way of getting fabulous skin.

 LEMONS.

For Mature and Dry Skin - Shiseido Benefiance

In honor of my Mother's Birthday, I'm reviewing one of her favorite lines.

My Mother and Grandmother used the Japanese Skin Care line Shiseido for as long as I can remember.
They both had the most AMAZING skin. My mother had the softest softest skin around (I used to love pressing my cheek against hers when she'd come in from the cold)

Giveaway for Subscribers- SKIN MD NATURAL

Hello hello out there in cyber-world!

So my friends will tell me that they read my blog.
(Don't be lyin 'cause I will test you and ask what you read about!)      ;)

I want to thank my friends and the other random people from Europe and Asia that are reading my blog!
It is much appreciated, and I'm glad I'm not writing to myself  =)

However, as of today, there are 17 people that have taken the extra step to become subscribers and "follow me".  Most of them are my friends, but there are 4 people that don't know me that have subscribed.

So I'm giving a huge shout out and a big thank you to Mandy, Amy Rose, Jen Kim, and Beyoumakeupshop.com  for subscribing~  You girls are awesome and have fabulous taste  ;)

So about a month ago, I was given the opportunity to try out a product.  They offered me a new full-size bottle of their natural moisturizer Skin MD Natural Face, Hand, & Body Shielding Lotion.

Skin Care Breakthrough – Shielding Lotion
Your Skin Has Rarely Felt or Looked So Good

If you've been looking for a skin care product that can heal dry skin and keep the ravages of time at bay, take a look at a breakthrough based on years of research by doctors and chemists - shielding lotion.
A Shielding Lotion is far more effective as a dry skin treatment than conventional moisturizing lotions or protective creams. If you suffer from dry skin, you know that just using a moisturizing lotion doesn't solve the problem.

Without Skin MD Natural™
the skin is robbed of its natural moisture

With Skin MD Natural™
irritants are kept - OUT, moisture - IN, making it
the perfect dry skin care product

A shielding lotion does much more than just treat dry skin – it’s a new kind of skin care product that makes a real difference to all skin types.
Skin MD Natural™ utilizes the finest effective natural ingredients for dry skin treatment along with the latest advances in technology to hydrate and protect the skin.
This is an entirely new concept in skin care requiring a new classification: "Shielding Lotion". A shielding lotion keeps moisture-robbing irritants away from the skin while the proprietary "super" humectants hydrate the skin throughout the day.


Skin MD Natural™ is promptly absorbed, without the slightest hint of any greasy or oily feeling or residue, transforming the outer layer of skin into a hydrating invisible shield.
Glycerin has been the standard against which all humectants are measured. Until now no other humectant drew in as much moisture from the air as glycerin. But the proprietary formulation in Skin MD Natural has a moisturizing factor of at least 6 times greater than glycerin. Combined with its protective properties and natural ingredients, this makes Skin MD Natural a truly unique product.
An accumulated effect of Skin MD Natural is fully realized after only a few days of daily use. Depending on how dry your skin is the first few days may require reapplications after only a few hours. Usually, after a few days of continuous use, only one or two daily applications are necessary to see the improvement.

I like the fact that the product is natural, it sinks in immediately, and can be used all over. This is great if you don't like greasy, oily products.  I like to use it as a base before I use my myriad of other products.  

They also offered one for my readers.
Since I only have 17 subscribers, you guys have a great chance of winning a free moisturizer. 

Here are the rules: Become a subscriber.
Simple enough...  If you subscribe, you will be in the running.
I will be putting all the names in a box and pulling a name out on 2/22/10.

So if you'd like to be in the running for a freebie (and make me happy), SUBSCRIBE!~*

*~ Have a Beautiful Day! ~*

Aquaphor Original Ointment

My skin has been super super dry lately, so I had to pull out the big guns to solve my dry skin problems.

Aquaphor Original Ointment is the thing to use for extremely dry skin.
It's a great, inexpensive way to get your skin moisturized.
It's like Vaseline on Steroids.
It's very very thick, so if you don't like that texture, be sure to use very sparingly.
A little goes a long way.

Aquaphor Healing Ointment
Advanced Healing for Dry, Cracked or Irritated Skin

Aquaphor Healing Ointment protects dry, cracked or irritated skin to help enhance the natural healing process and restore smooth, healthy skin.

• Clinically proven to reduce healing time
• Creates a protective barrier that seals in moisture
• Helps heal raw, irritated skin caused by radiation treatments, facial resurfacing procedures and Atopic Dermatitis
• Soothes and helps protect extremely dry, chapped or chafed skin and lips caused by winter weather or diabetes
• Soothes and protects minor burns
• Fragrance-free, preservative-free, non-irritating

Eucerin Promise: High quality ingredients and clinically-proven formulas that help keep your skin healthy. Eucerin skin care is safe for sensitive skin and so effective that it's been trusted by dermatologists for years.

This is especially good to use on dry and rough spots (Elbows, Knees, Ankles).  It's great for chapped hands and lips.  You can basically use this anywhere.
I use this on my face when nothing else seems to work.
This is also a good product to put on your face if you're into winter sports, but make sure you wear sunscreen on top!

So if you're skin is a hot hot mess and can't seem to hold on to any moisture, Aquaphor is the one for you!

*~ Have a Beautiful Day! ~*

Neutrogena- From Head to Toe

I have been using Neutrogena products for YEARS.  I remember thinking I was so cool using my older cousin's Neutrogena Shampoo and Body Oil in the shower~  I still use those products to this day!

Neutrogena makes quality products for a good price.

Here is my list of my favorite items from Neutrogena:

Anti-Residue Shampoo- This is a clarifying shampoo.  It's great to use when your hair feels especially greasy/dirty.  Especially good in the summer after a day at the beach/pool.  I use once or twice a week.

Body Oil- I love this smell. It's very nostalgic for me.  This is a GREAT moisturizing oil.  It's great to use just out of the shower when skin is slightly damp, or as a bath oil in the bath.  Love it!

Norwegian Formula Hand Cream- This is a heavy-duty hand moisturizer. It's like a lighter version of Aquaphor.  Thick, but absorbs quickly.  Tested on Norwegian Fisherman! Also available in an Age Shield with SPF 30 formula (but I don't know how it compares)

Dry Touch Sunblock- This was one of the first sunblocks that didn't have the thick greasy feel of typical sunblocks.  Goes on very lightly and quickly.  High SPF, leaves a clean/dry finish, and has the highest UVA/UVB protection. I also like the spray version for the body since it gets hard to reach places

I also use the Neutrogena Microdermabrasion System that they discontinued (ARGH!!! WHY!?!).

If you can find it, get it. It'll last you forever and u can buy the Refill Sponges on Ebay.

*~ Have a Beautiful Day! ~*

Take It Off, Baby- Shu Uemura Skin Purifier (Cleansing Oil)

I first tried the Shu Uemura Skin Purifier in college when my friend Angela brought it on a camping trip.
- Unfortunately I'm really bad at reading directions so I used it the wrong way and hated it.  =T
- Luckily, they were selling a trial size 3 pack at Neiman Marcus (and I liked the clear case it comes in) so I figured I'd give it another try. I'm glad I did.

This will take off ALL your makeup. Whether it's everyday Waterproof Mascara or hard core Tammy Faye Baker makeup, it will come off.
* DO NOT USE WATER WITH THIS PRODUCT!!!  That was my mistake the first time. It will basically end up not doing anything.  You only need to get a few drops of oil on your hands/fingertips and massage into your skin.  Once the oil is on your face, THEN you can add water (but I don't until I'm ready to wash it off)
* I like using the oil because you're not tugging on skin to get makeup off (which can eventually lead to wrinkles).  Give yourself a quick massage while you're at it.  Your skin will thank you.

Cleansing Beauty Oil Premium
What it is:
Two-in-one cleanser and makeup remover.

What it is formulated to do:
shu uemura's Cleansing Beauty Oil Premium A/I is a rich oil that gently removes makeup and impurities. It's infused with medicinal herbs, such as chamomile and licorice root, to soothe and smooth dry, sensitive skin. It's ideal for those with damaged, dry, or sensitive skin, as well as for those who seek antiaging benefits.

 Here is a more detailed description:

 debut of cleansing oil
while working as a makeup artist in hollywood in the late 1950's, shu uemura discovered Unmask, an oil-based cleanser used by film stars and makeup artists on the set. applying heavy stage makeup multiple times daily, actresses often often developed sensitive skin from harsh make-up removers. uemura saw that the cleansing oil removed make-up gently, yet effectively, while maintaining the skin’s natural level of moisture.

the joy of cleaning
the secret to shu uemura cleansing oil is protecting the skin's delicate moisture balance while removing makeup and impurities in a single step. blending rich botanical oils, including avocado and jojoba, with natural phyto ingredients, cleansing oils are formulated in six varieties for perfect, gentle cleansing specific to skin's daily needs. gentle, thorough cleansing is the first step to beautiful skin.

high performance oil system
all of shu uemura's cleansing oils are formulated using the unique hpo (high performance oil) system, a complex combination of three moleculary distinct oils that trap the lipophilic residue of stubborn waxes and oils found in waterproof mascara, foundation and lip color. once emulsified by water, the cleansing oil encapsulates hydrophilic residue, such as dirt and sweat, gently lifting both types of impurities from the pores simultaneously.

cleansing oil's high affinity to skin allow for a gentle yet effective cleansing without disrupting skin's natural balance.

This oil is a great gentle cleanser and will work on all skin types. 

Retail Price: 

5 oz:  $28-$35

15 oz: $62- $75


for best results using shu uemura cleansing oil, follow these easy steps:

1. use 3-4 pumps of cleansing oil on dry hands

2. spread gently and thoroughly over dry face.

3. add a few drops of lukewarm water to face to emulsify.
(oil will turn milky white)

4. rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.

                                                                        

*~ Have a Beautiful Day! ~*

Go to Hawaii~ At home!

ALOHA

Hello. Affection. Love. Peace. Compassion. Mercy. Goodbye.

"A vacation is like love- Anticipated with pleasure, Experienced with Discomfort, and Remembered with Nostalgia"

It is 30 degrees in NYC!!!  That is 50 degrees less than what I would like it to be.  I am really good at getting what I want... but alas, I cannot control the weather (although sometimes when I sing "Rain Rain Go Away", it DOES work!)

One thing I CAN do is to slather myself up in different products that remind me of being in Hawaii!  I brought these products to Ko Alina (where they filmed "Blue Crush") years ago.  It was one of the most amazing trips I've ever been on:
* Morning Yoga on grass overlooking the ocean
* Reading magazines on the beach (while Crystal was in the office working... hee hee.. Sorry Girl! I enjoyed it for the both of us)
* Swimming under a full moon
* Eating some of the most awesome food at Sidewalk Cafe
 * Driving around with rainbows everywhere...
 When I smell these products, I am instantly transported back to the wonderful week I was in Hawaii.  It really is paradise.

You may not have been to Hawaii, but using these products can help you pretend that you're not in the blistering windy, cold, rainy streets of NY/NJ.

Organix Coconut Milk Conditioner- I have been using this conditioner for years.  I honestly don't know how great it is at moisturizing (my hair is really frizzy when I don't have a Japanese Straightening/Magic Perm), but you can't beat the smell and the price. It's also organic and free of parabens.  For $7, you can be transported to the tropics.  I never even used to be a big fan of coconut, but I was converted through this product.  Smell it and fall in love

Body Shop Coconut Body Butter- My lovely friend Vivian(ne) gave me my first jar back in college... and it lasted me forever and I brought it with me everywhere I went.  It is very moisturizing and smells fantastic.  Love it!

True Blue Spa: Tahiti Sweetie and So Aglow- This an amazing smelling line from Bath and Body Works.  The smell really transports you to a sunny place far far away (take your pick).  They both contain Monoi Oil, which is a very hydrating oil that's an "Island Secret".  Tahiti Sweetie is very moisturizing and goes on very easily.  So Aglow is a spray-on shimmery oil that gives you beautiful gold shimmer~ It can be used on the body, but I also like to use a dab on the cheeks.  It obviously looks better when you have a tan, but it will give you some color when it's the middle of winter.  The lotion is great for everyday, the spray is good for going out.

True Blue Spa Shade To Order- This is a Select-a-Shade Self  Tanning Body Lotion.  You can use it solely as a moisturizer (but why do that?) at Level 7, and it goes to the darkest Rich Color at Level 1 (This is my level! Go Big or Go Home!).  I used this during the summer since my face was always lighter than my body (I hope you're using SPF!!!).  The best part about this self-tanner is that it doesn't have that weird smell most other products do.  It actually smells kind of tropical and is very moisturizing.

Josie Maran Bronzing Argan Oil-  This best-selling oil gives a beautiful glow to the skin.  You can use it on your body to give you great, natural looking color while giving you super soft skin.  I prefer to use this on the cheeks and lightly on the forehead, but you can put it all over. A little goes a long way, and you'll be amazed at how well the color builds with each little drop.  You'll have an amazingly gorgeous glow. 

Bobbi Brown Beach- I was actually going to keep this as my little secret, but if you're spending the time to read this (Really... Is ANYONE reading my blog or are people just telling me they've read it?!? ), then you deserve to know about all my fabulous discoveries.  I LOVE this scent.  It REALLY reminds me of summer and the beach... I can't exactly put my finger on what it is.... my closest guess is that it smells like Hawaiian Tropic Sunblock.. but I'm not too sure.  Either way, I purchased the Perfume and the Oil.  I use the perfume more because I can just spray and go, but the oil is also a good alternative or addition (although I hate that the bottle is not very user-friendly). 

Slather yourself in these products, make yourself a Malibu Bay Breeze (My Old Drink of Choice) and blast these summery songs:

Escape

Kokomo- How can you not love the Beach Boys?!?!

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

One Love
I Love You Girl- This was the song that played on the radio all the time. Brings me back! 

So this is what I use to "Get Away" when I can't get away. You too~ GO AWAY! (hee hee)    ;)

ALOHA!!!!

*~ Have a Beautiful Day ~*

Decleor Aromessence Baume

This is the only product that I have from Decleor, but I love it!  It comes in a jar and has an almost waxy/oily consistency.  This is a great product for people with dry skin.  You only need a little amount of product, and it'll make a big difference.  After a while, the product will sink into your skin, leaving it feeling more moisturized and with a dewy glow.

The balm comes in many different scents- I have the Ylang Ylang and although I don't really like the smell ( I don't really like heavy, musky scents) my clients are always saying they love the smell and ask what I am using on them. I also have the rose one I use on myself and I love the scent.

You can use this as a night time moisturizer (or else put it on early enough before you head out so it sinks in) or as an aromatherapy balm (Put on your pulse points- Behind your ears, On your neck, wrists, and decolletage).

The way I like to use this product is at the end of the makeover, I press the product into the cheeks to give a dewy look (can you tell that I'm all about the dewy glow?)  It takes away the over-powdered look and also adds moisture to the skin.

It's not cheap, but a little goes a long way. Balms away!  =)

Retail Price: $69

True Blue Spa- Lay It On Thick Intense Moisture Shea Body Cream

Winter is right around the corner...which means... (cue the dramatic music) DRY SKIN!!!  How many of you get dry, flaky, reptile skin during the cold winter months?  My skin is pretty much dry all year round, but it can get ridiculous in the winter.

My Go-To cream for soft, smooth, can't keep your hands off skin? Lay It On Thick from True Blue Spa.  It's a line from Bath and Body Works and I have been using this baby since college.

It is very thick and heavy, but once it settles into your skin, you're left with soft and velvety skin that doesn't feel oily or greasy. 

I buy these creams by the bagful- Bath and Body Works has great sales. Stock up when you can.  And if you don't like it (GASP!), you can always return it to them.

One thing I didn't like was the scent.  It's kind of ... nutty... since it's made from Shea Butter. It's not a bad smell, but I tend to like lighter, flowery/fruity scents.  HOWEVER... a while ago, I went to the store and lo and behold.... they've created an UNSCENTED version!  Loves it!

So.... for all you out there that hate the effects of cold wind, dry heat, and freezing temperatures, you've found a new problem solver in Lay It On Thick.  May all your dry skin days be Gone With the Wind~*  ;)

Retail Price:

$20-10 oz.  

$15- 6 oz.

Lush Honey I Washed the Kids Soap

Now I’m not a fan of bar soap. I feel like many of them tend to leave a film on the skin, or leave my skin too dry. This is one soap that I love. I first discovered it on the streets of London back in 2003 when I would roam around the high streets. This was way before they had LUSHes in America, so it was awesome to find a store filled with bath goodies and delicious smelling products.

I’ve never really been a honey scent kind of girl… but it was love at first smell. First off… the soap is a light yellow with a honey comb end~ SO CUTE! Second, it has a sweet but not overpowering honey/milky scent. It’s kind of hard to describe a scent, but it is just DI-VINE!

The soap has a great scent, gives lots of nice bubbles if used with a loofah or the Korean bath towels, and it doesn’t leave your skin feeling filmy OR dry! It’s a little expensive for soap, but get a small one and it’ll definitely be worth it. I just bought mine the other week and can't wait to open it up and bring back lovely memories of London~* Get Honey I Washed the Kids and have a BEEE-autiful day! ;)

Mario Badescu Drying Lotion

So I'm very lucky to have good skin. My face is usually pretty clear and I don't really get pimples. However, sometimes I'll get reddish bumps that don't go away for a few days.

I've never really found a product I like that gets rid of them until recently. I'd seen advertisements for Mario Badescu Drying Lotion since I read Seventeen magazine in high school, but I never tried it until recently. Boy am I glad I did~*

Mario Badescu Drying Lotion is a product that comes in a small jar. It is pink on the bottom and an oily looking liquid on top. You put it on at night because it'll leave pink/white marks wherever you put it. You put this on and overnight, you're skin looks better!

The way to use this product is to dip something into the solution so you get to the pink part. It says to use a cotton swab/q-tip, but I feel like it soaks up too much excess liquid. I prefer to dip a small brush (such as an eyeliner brush) instead. Place directly on spots and you should see results pretty quickly. Oh, and don't shake the bottle! it's supposed to be separated!

*Warning* This product can be painful~ It's like putting alcohol on your skin, so it can sting... but you get kind of used to it... and I actually kind of like it because I feel like it's working... But if you have a low pain tolerance, this might not be for you.

So, for skin blemishes, I say go with the Mario Badescu Drying Lotion. May all your spots and blemishes disappear!


Retail Price: $17


*** An alternative to this product that was recommended by a friend is Clean and Clear's Persagel to get rid of pimples because the Mario Badescu only works for "super tiny ones". Let me know what you think!***