So Many Products

If not now...Wen

2011-10-25T15:08:00.006-04:00

If we were on a blind date or something, what I'm about to tell you would likely be the dealbreaker in our relationship. I love infomercials. If someone is singing the gospel about the most ridiculous product on the planet, I generally fall in love and fantasize about my life being vastly improved because 1 payment was knocked off the grand total and I waited until the end to start dialing, because there was more to come! Thankfully, I've always been able to restrain myself from doing the "dial-of-shame" and sinking to a new low with my American Express card by subjecting myself to a "shipping & handling" charge. Remember Lori Davis Hair...I was a teenager then, and even when I wore braces, I thought that a product could change my life.

So, I guess the new equivalent is this Wen Hair Care infomercial that is on...every.single.day. And I guess this Wen product is the "unshampoo". It is a super-rich conditioning cleanser, and allegedly, you can't use too much of it. And, allegedly it works for all hair types. Under normal circumstances, I'd be able to resist the pull of the television. But, you see...I'm in a bad place with my hair. I haven't had a haircut in nearly a year (note to my former salon - having no hot water in your salon is kind of unacceptable. Your scheduling difficulties are your problem, not mine!) My hair kind of resembles a rats nest. I've always had fine hair that has a tendency to need to be washed daily to look decent, but to add insult to injury...out of nowhere, I've been losing crazy amounts of hair lately. I take a biotin supplement...but, it's just not enough. I lather and rinse and shed everywhere. But the straw (aside from my hair) was Hurricane Irene that left my house without potable water, and with a constant fear of getting listeria from acccidentally ingesting shower water (gross). I needed a treat.

ANYWAY...flash forward to the Wen infomericals that are constantly bombarding the airwaves. I was tempted. I figured, what was the worst that could happen - I need to get a haircut anyway....if it kills my hair, or just plain-old sucks...I'll chop off my hair.

This being the 21st Century, I didn't have to order my Wen (secretly, of course) from an infomercial...I visited the Holy Grail of "As Seen on TV"...I hit up QVC. No fewer than 500 reviews confirmed that Wen could change my life. And, the best part of QVC...they offered a variety of different Wen cleansing conditioners, namely a Lavender Cleansing Conditioner that promised to "moisturize and invigorate and soothe and rub your feet and tell you how great you are and basically make you a better person". I ordered a small bottle. And I waited for 2 days for Wen to change my life.

Picture it. The Friday before Labor Day weekend. A clandestine UPS delivery. And my shower. With freshly-restored water.

I opened the box, and read the instructions. Yes, instructions on how to wash my freakin' hair. This was no lather/rinse/repeat. It was a detailed description of getting my hair wet with cool water (ick, because I hate a cold shower) for about 3 minutes. Then sectioning my hair off into 4 sections, and generously applying gobs of this cleansing conditioner to my hair. And letting it sit. For as long as I wanted. I'll admit that I was curious what would happen. And then, my scalp started to tingle. In an AMAZING way. I inhaled this lavendery-minty smell and let this condioner marinate on my head. And then I rinsed. And my hair felt...soft. But not greasy. And the best part...more of it actually stayed on my head this time, instead of on my fingers and hands and shower floor. I dried my hair and had...volume? And I didn't need to straighten it either...Holy Adonai, this infomercial product doesn't suck!

It's been like 2 months, and I'm officially addicted. I've actually moved on from the Lavender Cleansing Conditioner to the super-exclusive (read: impossible to find) SIXTHIRTEEN Conditioner because it's even more nourishing, and have this little rotation action going on with the two. I'll be honest, the product gets expensive because of the length of my hair and the quantity that I kinda need to use. And I do rotate my regular shampoo in on the days that I can't spend 15 minutes in the shower. And don't get me wrong...I still need a haircut desperately. But, I don't hate my hair on a daily basis. I don't even need to wash it on a daily basis. And, it looks kinda good (especially considering that I haven't cut it in nearly a year!) But the best part truly is...I'm not losing nearly as much hair as I was.

When in doubt...try Wen

image taken from www.chazdean.com

Super-Sonic

2011-10-24T15:50:00.007-04:00

Never underestimate the power of nagging. It took several months (and a 1st Mother's Day) to score this puppy...but ever since my Clarisonic entered my life...washing my face has never been the same.

I see you out there, skeptically shaking your head (I'm a mother now...we have eyes EVERYWHERE!) in disbelief that a $225 brush cannot be anything but a a ridiculous waste of money...I solemnly swear...it's life-altering.

I do confess...for the most part...I have reasonably good skin. The occasional break-out. But overall...you'd never believe that I'm rapidly approaching 33. I'm line-free, and in the battle against the "Elevens", I'm winning the war. That being said...any good general knows how to launch a successful attack against the enemy, and my Clarisonic is the secret weapon.

Coupled with something as innocent as Johnson & Johnson Head-to-Toe Baby Wash, the Clarisonic will deliver an enviable clean. Pair it up with something a little more "potent" (read: a glycolic or lactic acid to deliver the one-two punch of chemical and manufal exfoliant) and it's awe-inspiring. As a result of a more "prepared" surface, any treatment product that I put on after I wash is more effective. My dry patches in the winter that only respond to my Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate stay hydrated for longer. The two pumps of my foundation are reduced to one. Your lips are chapped - give them a little brush and slather on the lip balm. You're wearing a strapless dress and want to give your arms and back a deep clean...use the Body Brush. Then there are the days that I don't need to wear any makeup at all, because my skin is just even.

There are caveats. The brush feels so good when you use it (especially in that horrible space on the sides of your nose that always itches and gets irritated when you have a cold) that it is very tempting to use the brush 2x in a row. For the sake of your skin...don't. Too much of a good thing is just too much. As much as I love my Clarisonic, our relationship thrives because we don't see each other all the time. I have to repeat - you can absolutely over-exfoliate. And the most important rule of the Clarisonic. Don't use a manual exfoliant on your face with the brush. You'll really irritate your skin (again, I'm a mother now...I'm constantly giving instruction!) and then you'll be back at square one - with unhappy skin!

But should you find yourself with a milestone event coming up...birthday, holiday, Saturday...try spending some time with a Clarisonic. It's incredible.

image of Clarisonic brush taken from www.clarisonic.com

Batting a Thousand

2008-12-12T16:04:00.003-05:00

I confess. I'm still totally into eyelashes. I never made the splurge on the Lavish Lashes deal, although I've been seriously tempted several times. A co-worker actually got eyelash extensions done in K-Town (aka Koreatown) a few weeks ago, and I have to admit I'm totally envious of her beautiful eyelashes that make her look fantastic even when it is pouring outside and everyone else looks like a drowned rat. She gave me the address and the price, but here's the problem. Usually, eyelash extensions can cost in the HUNDREDS of dollars for an application, and the place she went to only charged $90. Now, in this economy, you'd think that a bargain would be a good thing...but do I really want to have a bargain in my eye area? She looks amazing, but I'm just nervous. If the application process didn't involve surgical glue, I'd probably feel a little better about the whole idea of it.

So, I've begun to investigate fake eyelashes. But, why on earth would I find a reasonable deal on false eyelashes at a drugstore when I can set my sights on the fabulous false eyelashes by Shu Uemura. They have this absolutely GORGEOUS black smokey eye strip lash, that I'm totally into. I actually stare in the mirror and try to envision how I'd look with a total Twiggy-esque look...thin black liquid liner, dewy complexion, retro 60's pinkish gloss on the lips...

And Mommy has this special Shu Uemura toy - it's a special, specific false eyelash applicator tool. So you don't have to worry about poking yourself in the eye with tweezers. Of course the tool is twice the price of the lashes. And the lashes don't include applicator glue. So now, in order to do it right, between the Shu Falsies, the special lash toy, and the glue, I'll be spending $88. Whereas the eyelash extensions in K-town are $90. Some bargain, right?

What to do? What would you do?

Advice, please!

image of lashes taken from http://www.shuuemura-usa.com/

The Royal Service

2008-12-12T14:52:00.003-05:00

Seriously, have any of you seen or read about this Cor Silver Soap thing? I read about it in a Bliss catalog what feels like a million years ago. And I was definitely intrigued (although in all fairness, it is incredibly difficult to not be intrigued by many of the products in the Bliss catalog because whoever writes their copy is absolutely brilliant!). Apparently it's not even technically called "soap" because it's a "treatment for the face". But at this point in my life, I can read between the lines and I know a bar of soap when I see one. And apparently it does everything…glowier skin, rosier complexion, fewer pores, less breakouts, vacuums the carpets, anti-aging, etc. Cor says it’s because their soap has a more favorable PH level for the skin in comparison to “ordinary” cleansers. Alas, I got to the most important part of the soap…the price. And in my world $125 is just a ridiculous amount of money to pay for a bar of soap. I mean…it’s SOAP.

And then I took the plunge (actually, my debit card took the plunge), and splurged on a trial-sized bar of the famous Cor Silver Soap (for $15). Because I was having an eh day at work, and I was in a place that was willing to give me a 5% discount on the soap…but I’ve decided that I will no longer justify my impulse purchases! I got home that night, took a long, hot shower, and lathered up and quickly reached 2 very important conclusions:

1) I need to find $125 to buy a full-sized bar of this stupid soap; and
2) Husband can never ever learn that soap can cost $125 a bar.

I know it seems a little silly to read the instructions that accompany a bar of soap, because if you’ve been showering and washing your face for your entire life, how to use soap is fairly self-explanatory. But I’m glad I read the instructions, because this soap has a serious tingle to it, especially if left on the face for an extended period of time. If you read the instructions, you’ll know in advance that it tingles. I lathered up with the soap, added a little water, and put the resultant foam on my face. Leave the foam on for a good 2-3 minutes, if not longer. I’m obsessed with my Eve Lom Facial Muslin clothes (I also love the Eve Lom cleanser, but that’s for an entirely different post), so I removed the soap with the cloth. My skin is seriously as smooth as a baby’s. With the prettiest, peachiest, rosiest complexion that doesn’t even need any makeup. I followed my soap with a good old-fashioned slathering of Bliss’ Youth As We Know It Concentrate and Cream. Usually, products take a few days to really make people notice – but I’ve been fielding comments and compliments for days about my skin. The comments about my skin started the morning after I used it, so it’s really gotta be the soap. Husband says maybe I have good genes, but…really, we all know it has to be the soap.

The only down side to the soap (besides the price) is that since I purchased a trial-sized bar of it, I’m rapidly running out. That, and I've since learned that Cor has expanded their product family into an eye cream and a wrinkle serum.

But that’s what birthdays are for, right!

Find it for yourself here or here

image of soap taken from www.blissworld.com

Beauty Full

2008-12-12T14:48:00.004-05:00

After much pleading from my friends, mother, co-workers, etc., I've decided to take another bite of the blogging apple and start posting again...because I'm still mostly obsessed with the whole "products" thing!

Lots has changed...new house, new baby...same husband. 2 out of 3 aint bad though!

The one big thing I've learned over my hiatus from posting is that there is no product whatsoever that prevents stretch marks during pregancy...because OMG, did I get a boat load of them during my whole "knocked up" phase. But, the end result of the whole pregnancy thing is pretty awesome!

Seriously, does anyone know of a magic stretch mark cure? I've tried every scrub, cream, oil, potion, etc (or at least it seems that way), and NOTHING worked.

But I'm back...with lots to blog about.

Stay tuned.

Image of Boy taken from zisjen@aol.com. Production of Boy courtesy of Jennifer & Husband

Hello, Goodbuy

2007-06-22T14:47:00.000-04:00

As much as I love makeup, I've never really "splurged" on brushes. I've recommended the Kevyn Aucoin brushes to numerous people because I've read the amazing press. I do admit to getting "suckered" into a Shu Uemura Kolinsky brush that was like $58, but I had to have that one. It seriously makes the most amazing smokey eyeliner eye and I just loved the brush. But overall, brushes just aren't my "thing". I appreciate the skill required in making the brush, and I even appreciate how the right brush enhances the finished product (i.e., the $58 splurge at Shu Uemura last November), but...I don't appreciate the steep price associated with the brushes.

So, mommy and I were in Target a few weeks ago, and we were only there to buy a few cards. But, seeing as it's Target, it's virtually impossible to ever get out of there only buying what you came in for. So, we stumbled through the aisles and found ourselves in the Sonia Kashuk makeup section. Strategically placed at eye-level were the most beautiful makeup brushes I'd seen in a long time. Sonia Kashuk's products have always had a very solid reputation in the press, so I'll admit that I was intrigued with this new "professional" line. The way that the bristles of the large eyeshadow brush were set was really top-notch. So, I ran the brush under the scanner to check the price, and I was stunned that it cost $12.99. I was definitely anticipating a much higher price. And, I'll be honest, now that I have the brush home, it performs far better than a $12.99 brush. What was even more intriguing was the hairbrush that looks identical to a Mason Pearson brush - but instead of $140, it's $14.99.

Hello, Goodbuy indeed!

Check out the brushes at Target as soon as possible - I fear it's one of those items that will quickly morph from Goodbuy to Goodbye.

(image taken courtesy of www.target.com)

MIBA (Missing in Beauty Action)

2007-06-22T14:31:00.001-04:00

It's been nearly 5 months since I've had the opportunity to post on my blog, which is my self-professed "Most Favorite Hobby". I've been caught up in a myriad of activities, basically known as "life". Husband and I are in the process of buying a house, so it's been a nightmare of running up and down between our current apartment and the 75 places we thought we might be able to call home. I also have to do this other thing 5 days a week - called my actual job of doing environmental insurance coverage work (fancy title, right!)

But, I'm excited to start posting again and profess my love of my latest discoveries, re-discoveries, and things that I basically can't get enough of! Just because I haven't been posting - it doesn't mean that I haven't been shopping!

Stay tuned...

Eye believe?

2007-02-06T19:07:00.000-05:00

I've recently become absolutely obsessed with my eyelashes. Even though they're super dark and they definitely have some nice length, I want them to look super luscious and glamorous all the time. So, I've been hearing a lot about Jan Marini Age Intervention Eyelash. Allegedly (and all product claims are alleged until I try it for myself), this is a product that remedies short, weak and/or missing eyelashes. Apparently, when you apply the eye liner-esque product along your lashline, the "technology" inside the product transforms your lashes, making them noticeably longer, lusher, fuller, and even darker. And then you read the testimonials, written by eyelash-obsessed women who are claiming they need to slow down usage of the product because their lashes get too long. The product has been sold out for months, a surefire sign that someone loves it (it couldn't possibly be that most women are suckers, could it?) The one catch - it's $160 (although I do have a 20% off coupon for the online boutique that sells it). Then there's the second catch - if I buy an eyeliner that costs $160, my husband is going to murder me. But I'd be a corpse with absolutely fantastic lashes.

I'll keep you posted (no pun intended) on if I can confirm the miracle for myself. See if you can score some from Skinstore online because this coveted product is now back in stock!

PS - That's where I have the 20% off coupon from!

(image taken from www.skinstore.com)

Post-Game Detox

2007-02-05T21:14:00.004-05:00

I don't know about you, but I definitely ate way too much last night watching the Super Bowl. We made my father-in-law's amazing chili and then gorged on cupcakes from Sugar Sweet Sunshine, my favorite bakery in NYC. Seriously, when I awoke this morning to get ready for work, I was still nursing the post-binge hangover. Coupled with the 10 degree weather outside in NYC right now, it did not make for a pleasant morning. Lucky for me, I still have a good quantity left of my trusty Fresh Rice Sake Bath. I bought it as a splurge with a Sephora birthday gift certificate a year or so ago when I was having a "fat" day. It was one of those products that had always caught my eye, but I never loved myself enough to buy a bottle of $80 bath oil. The bottle claims that sake was used by Geisha as an all-purpose tool to exfoliate the face, smooth rough hands, detoxify the body and regenerate the skin. Well, I have enough facial exfoliants, and my hands are already smooth, but after the calorie-nightmare last night, I could definitely go for a nice detoxifying bath. Given the icy temperatures, I was able to feel thinner and warmer all at the same time!

They recommend using the Sake Bath in water as hot as you can handle. The Bath has a really pleasant peach-y scent that you can definitely feel stimulating your systems long after you dry off. Even though you soak in hot water, the sweat that you work up in the tub feels different than a regular sweat. I strongly doubt it's the miracle cure that will cure the post-game bloat, but if I'm going to feel chubby, I might as well feel soft and smell nice!

You can find it online at Sephora and obtain more information at Fresh.

(image taken from http://www.fresh.com/)

I love my SKN

2007-02-02T16:07:00.000-05:00

I have this pretty blue bottle sitting on the legdge in my shower. Its contents hold one of my California souvenirs - 8 oz. of Skin Detox courtesty of SKN Beverly Hills Pure Oxygen Crystal Cleanser. For some reason, the line is not carried in New York, so I hoard the 4 oz. remaining in the bottle for my special weekend showers. It's one of those cleansers that didn't cost too much to feel like a splurge, but one of those cleansers that you only use on the "special days" because it cost enough that you're annoyed that you're going to finish it one day and have to replace it (and pay a shipping carge on top of the price!) The cleanser is this beautiful crystal clear gel (and you believe your skin will mirror the crystal clarity after a few uses) with these teeny tiny oxygen bubbles that burst on your skin every time you use it. It leaves my face feeling really refreshed, the smell is totally energizing (it's like this clean citrusy scent), and there must be magic in those oxygen bubbles, because it cleans deeply yet soothes at the same time.

My dilemma is - my skin looks great, but I have a few different cleansers that I alternate between, depending on which one is closest to me on the ledge in the shower. But, I think this might be the miracle product because I feel like I look extra-special nice the days that I use this one!

www.loveyourskn.com

(image taken from www.loveyourskn.com )

Pedi-Cure

2007-02-01T11:09:00.000-05:00

I decided to splurge last night on a super special glycolic pedicure at Ajune Spa on the Upper East Side. I always complain about how dry my feet can get, I haven't had a pedicure in forever, and even my husband said "Jen, go get one." So I did. And it was the most incredible pedicure that I have EVER had. First, they cut my toenails, filed them down, got rid of the cuticles, etc. Then, came the most amazing thing I've ever seen...the pedicurist put on a product called BeNatural Callus Eliminator, then she wrapped my feet in plastic baggies, covered them with aluminum foil (I'd never seen that before) and let them sit for 5 minutes. While my feet were covered, she applied a Natura Bisse 50% glycolic complex to my legs. And then the magic happened. She uncovered my feet, began scrubbing them with the foot file and PILES OF DEAD SKIN ROLLED OFF MY FEET! I'm not kidding - I've NEVER seen anything so fascinating (or disgusting when you think about it) in my life. And the pedicurist just laughed at my reaction because she sees it all the time. She polished my toes in Essie Thigh High (a gorgeous bright red) and off I went.

This pedicure wasn't cheap, but I think I can swing it 4x a year. I even came home and showed my new feet to my husband and he immediately said "is this a product you think we should buy and keep in the apartment for you?" He's so well trained!

I might take him up on the offer...

Ball Beauty
Ajune Spa - ask for Diane

My feet and legs have never felt better.

(image taken from www.ballbeauty.com )

My holy trinity (part 3)

2007-01-31T10:01:00.001-05:00

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Moisturizing Body Oil ($6) - I discovered this product in 2003. I LOVE the smell of cocoa butter, especially in the winter. To me, it just smells so warm and rich, and if I have a bad cold or the chills, the scent of it instantly warms me up. I love to take a hot shower in the winter before bed and put this on from my neck to my legs, and then wrap myself up in flannel PJs. It instantly soaks into the skin, leaving it soft and moisturized. You can even add it to your bath water! You know how in the winter, you feel like your skin looks all creepy, with no color and no firmness? 2 nights with this product and you'll feel like a new person. I swear that it makes the skin look instantly healthy. And the smell is incredible, especially at night. It has that warm scent that makes you want to crawl into bed and sleep forever.

www.drugstore.com

www.etbrowne.com

(image taken from www.drugstore.com )

My holy trinity (part 2)

2007-01-31T09:57:00.000-05:00

Aquaphor Healing Ointment ($6) - The next part of the moisture trinity. Confession: I suffer from horribly dry feet. Dry to the point that my heels used to split in the winter and were so painful that I could only wear flip-flops. And I tried virtually everything, including prescription lotions, ointments, etc. They were softer, but still painful. Then, I discovered Aquaphor. It has the consistency of Vaseline, but it nurtures more. I'd say that I apply it religiously throughout the winter, but it has helped my feet so much that I no longer require daily treatments. It's almost as if it has penetrated my heels and allows them to hold onto moisture. This is how I got the best results. I soaked my feet in a warm bath and washed them really well. I then towel-dried my feet but left them a little damp. I put on a generous layer of the Aquaphor ointment. I wrapped my feet in Saran Wrap. I put on thick white athletic socks. And then I kept them on for as long as possible. Amazingly, I was able to sleep with them on, and I was rewarded when I woke up - my feet were finally starting to heal (no pun intended)!

www.drugstore.com

http://www.eucerinus.com

(image taken from www.drugstore.com )

My holy trinity (part 1)

2007-01-31T09:10:00.000-05:00

Winter has officially arrived in New York City. Don't get me wrong, I love the fresh crisp air (I just prefer it while under our down comforter), but I hate what the winter does to "my poor skin". Every morning, I have a 15-minute walk to the subway station that leaves my face frigid and chapped. When I come home, I face an apartment with heat that can't be adjusted and no humidity. Needless to say, I'm dry, itchy, and overly sensitive.

It's officially time to go back to "old faithfuls". Despite the (over)abundance of grooming products in my bathroom, bedroom, closet, hall closet, medicine cabinet, shower...there are a few products that I always come back to - the holy trinity. And the holy trinity costs less than $20!

Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 ($5) - Seriously, it's the #1 product on my "If I was stranded on a desert island and could only have 3 things" list. It will cure virtually any dry skin-related ailment. In the winter, I slather it on my lips. But I also put it under and around my nose when it gets chapped. I put it on my eyebrows to keep them in line and well groomed. I put it on the tops of my ears where they get dry from the wind. I put it on my nailbeds to prevent hangnails. In a pinch, it even works as eye cream. It has a thick consistency, but not in a dirty/greasy sort of way. It goes on in a "feel how soothing I am" way. It's no surprise that it wins so many awards, because it does what it promises.

www.kiehls.com

(image of Lip Balm #1 taken from www.kiehls.com )

Burn Baby Burn

2007-01-30T11:07:00.000-05:00

I got out of work early the Friday before Labor Day weekend last year. My usual custom when I get out of work early is to hop on the R/W train from City Hall and take it 2 stops to Prince Street - deep in the heart of SoHo. But instead of walking downtown on Broadway, I walked uptown on Broadway, made a right turn onto Bond Street and found myself in front of Number 9. As in the fragrance company Bond No. 9. I'll admit, it was the 50% off all Creed fragrances sign displayed prominently in the window that brought me into the store. However, after smelling the Bond wares, I quickly realized that I could never again wear "ordinary" perfume. Instantly, I was transformed into a Bond girl. Instantly, I had a new addiction to hide from my husband. Instantly, I vowed to tell only a select few people what fragrance I was wearing!

I'd never smelled scents like these before. I'd never seen bottles like these before. I quickly plucked down my American Express card and snatched up 2 bottles. I scurried home from Bond in an attempt to get in the door before my husband. I hid the 2 new boxes in my closet, safe from his peering eyes. But 2 days later, we were back again, buying a bottle of Nuits de Noho for my sister. And then in November, I discovered the candles.

I've never been a candle person. I've been invited to so many of those "Candle Parties" given by some friend who is eager for all of us to buy overpriced candles, holders, sconces, and display pieces so that she can get a a big discount at the end of the night. I can't stand the smell of those candle stores in the mall. But at Bond...much like their fragrances, even the candles were different. They burn FOREVER. They are made in the matching scents to their incredible perfumes. And the consistency of the candle wax...it melts on the skin acting like a solid perfume. I told my husband that it was 2 products in 1, thus cutting the price by 50% (he humors this logic at times). Granted, $78 for a candle seems a little ridiculous in hindsight, but every time it burns, our apartment smells SO good, and I'm telling you, it's worth every penny.

www.bondno9.com

(image taken from www.lusciouscargo.com - candle featured is Chinatown)

IS Fabulous

2007-01-30T09:26:00.000-05:00

Flashback to October 2006. Traveling through California with my husband and we FINALLY arrive in LA. The long drive from San Fransisco to LA had definitely created a precarious situation with my complexion (or so it appeared in the magnifying mirrors in the hotel). We stumble down Robertson Blvd. in West Hollywood and into a little boutique called Kalologie. It's apparently some super posh spa/skincare store. They're having this event for a line called IS Clinical and pushing this product called "Active Serum". I'll admit that I was kinda sold the second they told me that Halle Berry is a devoted user of the line. But when the sales rep told me that it was an anti-acnegenic, anti-aging, and lightening agent, I was definitely hooked. All you need is 1 dropperful of the Serum and you put it on your entire face. You get this awesome warm tingly sensation about 20 seconds after you put it on and it feels like it is totally reshaping your complexion. IS Clinicial - I IS hooked!

It's easy to find online, but most websites will not ship it without speaking with you first. It's worth the phone call (and the $120)!

www.isclinical.com

(image taken from www.isclinical.com)

Brush with Greatness

2007-01-29T21:52:00.001-05:00

Well, I spoke with my husband and it seems highly unlikely that a $400 Lavish Lashes eyelash extension is in my immediate future. Oh well...it seems like I'll have to settle for volume and length the old-fashioned way with mascara and patience.

Despite the plethora of mascaras in my makeup arsenal, I always come back to CoverGirl Lash Exact and now, their new Volume Exact. The best part about the mascara is definitely the price, although I LOVE the wand that acts just like the Chanel Inimitable wand (at least on my lashes) but at a fraction of the price ($7.00 versus $25.00). And since I only need 3 swipes of the wand, it's on in a fraction of the time of eyelash extensions with the added bonus of being able to use my eyemakeup remover without worry!

http://www.covergirl.com/

(image taken from http://www.covergirl.com/)

New Skin

2007-01-29T18:06:00.000-05:00

It comes as no secret that I LOVE to wash my face with the next "miracle" product. I love the thought that one day, I'll be the girl with the beautiful glowing skin. I recently started using the new Olay Definity Pore Refining Scrub. And even though I'm only 28, and I don't have any noticeable signs of aging (thanks to a fanatical application of SPF 30 on my face every single day, rain, shine, snow...I'm like the postal service when it comes to SPF - it's always on), I'm really pleasantly surprised with this product. Making a claim of "eliminates visible pores, oiliness, dullness, or uneveness, instantly redefining skin" is fairly lofty. However, looking in the mirror, I feel clean, not overly stripped, and dare I say it...I think I'm glowing a little!

http://www.olaydefinity.com/

(image taken from www.healthylivingatlanta.com)

I smell pretty

2007-01-29T16:45:00.001-05:00

It's funny, I really don't love the scent of Patchouli. I really don't love the scent of Lavender. And amazingly, I can live without the scent of Vanilla. But I can't get ENOUGH of Sabon "Patchouli Lavender Vanilla" Shower Oil.

First of all, the packaging is super beautiful. Heavy glass bottle with a screw top cap (although it comes with a pump for ease of dispensing). Second of all, you have the price - $18 for 17.6 fl. oz. Then, there is the way is performs - foams up nicely, but moisturizes really well. And the scent...it just radiates clean and pretty, especially in the winter.

I'll readily admit that I really don't love getting up in the morning to shower for work...but somehow, this makes it a teensy bit easier.

Sabon

(image taken from http://www.sabonnyc.com/)