BeautyInsiderBlog

Wen Healthy Haircare Review

2008-06-26T20:48:00.002-05:00

THis review just came in from one of my favorite reviewers, my sister Nelly. Since this product has been so heavily advertised, I thought you might loke to know what she thought: "I was so excited to try this line of hair products, mainly the cleansing conditioner. It's a one step product that cleanses and conditions (hence the name!). Wen claims that ordinary shampoos which lather strip the hair of natural oils and dry your hair out. So with this product, your hair should be bouncy and shiny and beautiful with no products in it at all! Although, he does have a styling creme and texture balm that you can use, too. It's supposed to be great for all hair types. Of course, the informercial had celebrities in it that raved about the stuff. Anyway, I tried it on myself and my three girls. And we never looked worse. Our hair was big, and slightly frizzy, except for Alex's which was just bigger and a little more flyaway because her hair is straight. It did not work at all for us. But it did smell good and our hair was super soft!"

In other words, don't skip the styling products. And if it sounds too good to be true... Fortunately, they have a money back guarantee!

Sheer Cover Mineral Foundation Review

2008-06-19T18:56:00.003-05:00

I'd almost given up on mineral makeup, as my early experiences were dismal failures. I started, as everyone seems to, with Bare Escentuals, but found it to be too thick, maskline, and virtually impossible to apply naturally. Then I moved on to the new Mary Kay mineral powder foundation, which had the exact opposite problem. It's light and weightless, but with almost no coverage, it's best used as a powder and not as a foundation. I also tried Neutrogena's version, which comes in an applicator brush that you are supposed to dab on to dispense the product. I'd like to tell you what I thought of it, but since I was never able to actually get any of the product out, I have no idea if it's any good or not. Finally, my sister handed me a small jar of Sheer Cover in Medium/Tan Almond, because the color wasn't right for her. It rolled around in the bottom of my diaper bag for months (okay, so I didn't clean it out as often as I should have!) before I finally decided to give it a try. What a surprise! It's light enough to be goofproof, and never looks masky or heavy, but it delivers flawless even coverage. I use my Bare Escentuals kabuki brush to apply it, and in seconds my skin looks even, fresh, and natural. Recently, my cousin stopped by, took one look at my skin and asked me how I got it to glow like that. And I told her about the Sheer Cover. Just like in a cheesy infomercial. Also, the price can't be beat. $29.95 gets you the whole intro kit, with more than enough product to last a few months. So, don't give up on mineral makeup before you give this a try. You'll thank me!

Response to One Anti-Aging Product Under $100

2008-06-01T20:05:00.002-05:00

To the reader who asked if I could recommend a single product, under $100, that will firm the skin and help with wrinkles, the answer is yes. I would definitely recommend a prescription retinoid, like Retin-A or Renova. These products change the way your skin functions, and can dramatically improve the look of wrinkles. My ideal anti-aging skincare regimen would involve an AHA product and a sunscreen with antioxidants or a sunscreen and a separate antioxidant product, like Prevage, in the morning, and a retinoid at night. Simple but effective! Sunscreen is most important when it comes to wrinkle prevention!

Mary Kay Beauty Party

2008-03-14T21:54:00.001-05:00

Interesting how, when you decide to start working on yourself, opportunities arise. Tonight I attended a Mary Kay beauty party hosted by my sister. One of our mutual friends is a Mary Kay consultant. It was fun to sit around Nelly's dining table with a group of women, giving ourselves skin treatments and makeovers. I haven't spent that much time on my makeup in a long time. I even used lipliner! Here's what we tried:

Time Wise Microdermabrasion Set, $55: This works like similar sets on the market, with two steps: a scrub with tiny little crystals, and a moisturizer. You definitely notice a difference when you use one of these products, but it is not at all comparable to microdermabrasion. It's just like a really good scrub. It does rinse away easily and cleanly, though, with no residue. The serum-type moisturizer is nice, though, if your skin is oily. It's not heavy at all.

Satin Hands: Love this, although you could accomplish the same effect with a less expensive product. It's essentially a hand scrub and a very thick ointment-style hand cream that are massaged in together and then rinsed away. You then follow with a regular hand cream, which would be nicer if it had SPF. A regular body scrub and some vaseline would have the same effect, but still it's nice.

Satin Lips Set: Another exfoliant, this time for the lips, followed by an petroleum-based lip balm. This works well enough, but I prefer using a warm wet toothbrush and vaseline, since I don't particulary like the feeling of a scrub on my lips.

I did fall in love with a few products, though:
Mineral Powder Foundation in Beige 1, $16: The perfect color for me - it covered well while looking very natural, and not cakey at all, like many others can be, even when applied with a cotton ball.

Nourishing Lip Gloss in Beach Bronze, $13: I love the creamy texture and high shine (but not too much shine) of this metallic flecked gloss.

Berry Kiss Lipstick, $13: Again, I love the texture. It's very creamy and moisturizing. This is the color I wish my lips were naturally.

Golden Copper Blush, $10: A bronzey, coppery blush with some shimmer that gives skin a flattering glow.

Day 2

2008-03-12T21:48:00.002-05:00

Today I washed my hair and went out to dinner with my husband - a small miracle. Other than that, I didn't do anything else on my list. It was one of those days... I did, however, let my husband (almost) convince me that it wouldn't kill my daughters if I left them for an hour twice a week to go to a yoga class. So my goal is to take a class before the week is up.

Tomorrow, I will pick apart my body for the world to see, so I can track the progress that hopefully I will be making soon!

Day One (Continued)

2008-03-11T19:41:00.004-05:00

As promised, here are the pictures. They speak for themselves, although I will be listing all of my issues tomorrow..

And here are my responses to the Day One questions from Dr. Oz's Anti-Aging Plan:

1. Real Age: 38.6. (Boo hoo... My biological age is not yet 38 since my birthday is next week!)
2. Blood Pressure: Mine is always very low, like 90 over 60.
3. Heart Rate (resting): 84 (but I was feeling a little stressed)
4. Waist: 26.5 (3-4 inches bigger than usual, not that I'm counting. It's still pretty good considering the goal is for your waist to be less than half your height. At 5'2", my height is 62")
5. Number of steps I take this week: TO COME. I will start wearing my pedometer tomorrow.
6. Medical Tests: TO COME
7. Life Questions:
Are you living life from (A) fear or from (B) passion? A
Are you playing life (A) to avoid losing or (B) to win? B
Are your goals based on (A) preserving the status quo or (B) achieving growth? B
Are you happy most of the time? yes
Are you as happy now as you were 5 years ago? yes
Are you still expecting much from life? Yes, although my goals are changing after the birth of my daughters
Do your days seem to be passing quickly? yes - most days race by in a blur of activity!
Are you often sad less than 10 percent of the time? yes
8. Ask three strangers how old you are: Will do this tomorrow.
9. Ask your friends what your three biggest strengths are. Identify how you best use them. Again, I will do this tomorrow.
10. Ask yourself this simple question: How have you aged over the last five years? Use a picture to compare how you looked between then and now. Your initial thought:
A. My oh my, I look like I did in high school, dahling.
B. I'm steady Eddie—about the same.
C. I'm about what you'd expect—little fatter, little wrinklier, and little more worn down.
D. I look like tree bark.
My answer is B. Although I think I look better than I did in high school (big hair, round face) I definitely don'tn look younger.
11. Ask yourself this: What activities did you do five years ago that you can't do today? None
12. Ask yourself these big-picture stress questions, which can help you identify things to work on while using our program:Is your perceived level of stress more than you enjoy? Remember that actual stress is a more predictable driver of aging than our perception of stress, so push yourself to be honest with yourself. Do you control most of the stress in your life or are you a rat in someone else's experiment?
Answer: I think I am doing well with my life, stress-wise. Nothing I can’t manage. And I feel that I am largely in control of my own life, except for the constant but amazingly fulfilling demands of motherhood.

Day One of Dr. Oz Anti-Aging Plan

2008-03-10T21:35:00.003-05:00

Okay, today I had my husband photograph me in my bright orange Rosa Cha bikini - the one I bought for a trip to Hawaii before I had my babies. As usual in these situations, there were some pleasant surprises and some not-so-pleasant ones. You'll see when the picture is posted tomoorrow... (Unfortunately, my husband/webmaster informed me that posting the picture is not as quick or easy as I thought it would be). I will pick myself apart, so you can see what I will be working on.

So to get you started, I decided to post the first day of the anti-aging plan here, for those of you who want to join in. (If you're as busy as I am, it might actually take you two days to get through this... it's a little long). I will post my own answers over the next couple of days...

1. Get out and go shopping! Buy these items, which should run you less than $125.
A tape measure
A heart-rate monitor (We use Polar products—they have chest straps and monitor watches)
A pedometer
A good pair of walking or running shoes
A hand-grip tester
A blood pressure cuff (Many have memory and download options…or you can use the one at the drugstore)
A notebook or access to computer website to record your results
2. Determine your real age at RealAge.com—that is, the actual age of your body (and mind) based on your health and habits, not your calendar age based on when mama thrust you into the world covered in goop.
3. Measure your blood pressure. Most drug stores have a device that can be placed on your arm if you haven't bought the home device yet.
4. Measure your heart rate in the evening, as well as the highest heart rate you achieve during your most intense exercise.
5. Measure your waist size. Circle the tape measure around your waist at the belly button, while you're taking a deep breath and sucking in. You would anyway, but it is the right way of measuring it as it gets the muscle we do not want to measure out of the way. Also measure your weight. The ideal is for your waist to be half your height.
6. Leave a space to record the average number of steps you take this week.
7. Make a doctor's appointment so you can get the medical tests you need.
8. Answer these questions.
Are you living life from (A) fear or from (B) passion?
Are you playing life (A) to avoid losing or (B) to win?
Are your goals based on (A) preserving the status quo or (B) achieving growth?
If you answered (A) to any of them, it's an indication that you're not moving forward in life. Remember, the only times that your vital signs are completely stable are when you're dead. Like sharks, we need to keep moving in order to live fully.
9. Ask yourself these questions to really determine whether you're really happy.
Are you happy most of the time?
Are you as happy now as you were 5 years ago?
Are you still expecting much from life?
Do your days seem to be passing quickly?
Are you often sad less than 10 percent of the time?
We obviously want you to have positive answers for these questions. If you're not there, our program, as well as professional help, can help you get there.
10. Ask three strangers how old you are. Asking friends and family doesn't count, since they either know or have a vested interest in not hurting your feelings. This will help give you some kind of baseline as to how others perceive you—based on appearance and demeanor—and can be a strong indicator of how healthy you actually are. In addition, you can ask a friend you trust to be honest with you about how you are aging compared to others.
11. Ask your friends what your three biggest strengths are. Identify how you best use them.
12. In your notebook, draw a little box with an amoeba that fills up 70 percent of the box, but also goes outside of the box. The box is your job, and the amoeba is you. The empty spots in the box are where we often focus all of our effort, but perhaps you should focus on the part of the amoeba that lies outside of the box, as this represents your strengths.
13. Ask yourself this simple question: How have you aged over the last five years? Use a picture to compare how you looked between then and now. Your initial thought:
A. My oh my, I look like I did in high school, dahling.
B. I'm steady Eddie—about the same.
C. I'm about what you'd expect—little fatter, little wrinklier, and little more worn down.
D. I look like tree bark.
14. Ask yourself this: What activities did you do five years ago that you can't do today?15. Ask yourself these big-picture stress questions, which can help you identify things to work on while using our program:
Is your perceived level of stress more than you enjoy? Remember that actual stress is a more predictable driver of aging than our perception of stress, so push yourself to be honest with yourself.
Do you control most of the stress in your life or are you a rat in someone else's experiment?

The Mommy Makeover Challenge

2008-03-09T19:27:00.005-05:00

After a nearly month long hiatus, I am finally back for good. A colicky baby, technical problems and a major house renovation can't keep me away forever! I am looking at this as sort of a fresh beginning for both me and for the Beauty Mommy Blog. Here's why.

My little star, Eva, is going to be 3 months old on Wednesday, and it's time to get back on track. So, like many women, I'm turning to Oprah (or rather, to Dr. Oz, via Oprah) for inspiration. I am going to kick off my own personal mommy makeover right here on this blog, beginning with Dr. Oz's 14 day anti-aging plan. And since it's always more fun to do these things with a friend, I am enlisting the help of one of my dearest friends, whom I will call Amanda. Amanda and I will be posting pics of our bikini-clad bodies on this blog tomorrow, for the world to see. This, to a vain mommy like myself, is the ultimate in bravery, since there is little I like about my body right now. You may be surprised to know that weight is not my personal struggle. I am skinny (scrawny?) and I've managed to lose all of my baby weight. But I do have a long list of issues, from crepey skin on my tummy to scars to a linea negra that takes forever to go away. I also have a very lax tummy and absolutely no muscle tone in the rest of my body. Besides Dr. Oz's program, I want to squeeze a yoga class in at least once a week.

But my mommy makeover isn't going to stop at my neck. I also want to renew my skin by doing treatments that I was unable to do while pregnant, including peels and laser hair removal. I also want to investigate Botox, which I might make a birthday present to myself. I want to have my teeth bleached, and my sister, Nelly, who is a dentist, just took some impressions for some bleaching trays. I want to find the time to schedule a hair color appointment with my stylist, Suzy the Great. And I'd like to schedule a mani/pedi at least once a month. As I write this, I have no idea how I will find the time to squeeze any of these things in, but I plan on tackling them one at a time, and chronicling my comeback right here.

So, in my best Oprah mode, I am going to issue a challenge to Mommies Everywhere. Join me for a mommy makeover. Even if you don't think you have the time, energy or money to tackle it. ESPECIALLY if you don't think you have the time, energy or money to tackle it. Together, we can keep each other motivated, and find creative, time-saving ways to take care of ourselves and to set positive examples for our children (especially daughters). Remember - as one of Oprah's experts once said - children don't treat themselves the way that you treat them. They treat themselves the way that you treat yourself.

So, post a response to this blog to join in, and check back daily (I promise!) for ideas and inspiration to begin your own Mommy Makeover. I will offer time and money saving suggestions for revamping everything from your hair to your wardrobe, and I'm willing to name names: specific products, websites, sales, etc.

Let's start a Mommy Makeover Movement!

The Best Self Tanners Ever

2008-02-17T22:38:00.003-05:00

These are the best self tanners, regardless of price. As always, there are two lists here: the first is my personal picks, and the second is based on the results of a poll of over 1000 beauty-savvy women. Enjoy, and let me know whether your favorite made the list!

The Beauty Insider's Picks
I cheated in this category. Since my skin is naturally olive and tanned, I used my husband as a guinea pig for some of these products. The other recommendations came about through friends.
Tip: In case you haven’t already heard, before applying self-tanner, exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate. And go easy on naturally darker parts, like knees and elbows.

1. Clarins Gelee Auto-Bronzante Express Self Tanning Instant Gel: Clarins makes some of the best self-tanners on the market. This product dries quickly, so you can get dressed right away, and leaves no telltale scent behind. It gives light, natural color to the fair skinned, without looking orangey or streaky. Brilliant. $28

2. Savage Bronze Sunless Tanning Mousse: For natural, golden color that is not too dark, this fast-drying self-tanner is a popular pick. The mitt makes it easy to apply. It’s affordable, and the chocolatey smell is a definite bonus. $13.95

3. Bare Escentuals Faux Tan: This almond-smelling lotion has a dark color, so you can see where you’re applying it—no surprises. Plus it goes on smoothly, dries quickly, and leaves a natural, light golden tan behind. $22

4. Fake Bake Sunless Self-Tanning Lotion: This is perhaps the most foolproof self tanner on the market. Simply smooth on (don’t rub, as it won’t blend in) and wait for a natural, streakless tan that lasts for days and fades away naturally. Once you get the desired effect, a weekly application will maintain your glorious color. A friend told me that this looks better than her natural tan. $22.95

5. Au Courant Bronze Face Gel: This light, sweet smelling gel applies easily, won’t streak, and delivers a startlingly realistic tan. And it won’t cause breakouts in acne-prone skin. $19.95

6. Tan Towels: This may be the convenient self-tanner on the market—even my husband likes it. One of the smaller towelettes covers face, neck, and chest. (They’re also available in bigger, full-body sizes). There’s no fuss, no mess—just wipe on natural color with a light citrus scent that fades in a few minutes. $20/10 towelettes

7. Coppertone Oil-Free Sunless Tanning Lotion Medium/Dark: This tinted lotion lets you see where it’s going, and it delivers a natural, golden tan with minimal odor. It doesn’t streak, absorbs quickly, is oil-free, lasts for days, and fades away gradually. And did I mention that it’s cheap? $7 (approx.)

8. Lancome Flash Bronzer Medium Colour Self-Tanning Body Spray with SPF and Pure Vitamin E: This easy-to-use spray massages in easily, dries quickly and leaves an incredibly natural tan that never streaks or looks orange. $27.50

9. Bath & Body Works Tan-Do Attitude Sunless Bronzer: The only thing orangey about this is the fragrance. This tinted product is great for the beginner, because it doesn’t dry too quickly, giving you plenty of time to rub it in. It delivers subtle, realistic color on paler skin, and it’s never muddy or streaky. $10

10. Avon Sun Self Tanning Lotion Medium/Dark: This clear gel is easy to apply and delivers a gorgeous brown color with reddish undertones, without any orangey hues or streaking. The bottle is huge and inexpensive, and the smell is nice and light. $9.99

The Popular Vote

1. Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel, $28

2. Banana Boat Sunless Tanning Cream, $7.50 (approx.)

3. Bain de Soleil Streakguarde Self-Tanning Cream, $9 (approx.)

4. Neutrogena Instant Bronze Sunless Tanner & Bronzer in One, $10 (approx.)

5. Savage Bronze Sunless Tanning Mousse, $14 (approx.)

6. Alba Botanica Advanced Sunless Tanning Lotion with SPF 15, $9 (approx.)

7. Bath & Body Works Tan-Do Attitude Sunless Bronzer, $10

8. Au Courant Clear Spray Tan, $29.99

9. Avon Sun Self-Tanning Lotion, $9.99

10. Bare Escentuals Faux Tan Self-Tanner, $22

The Best Sunscreens Ever

2008-02-11T22:57:00.000-05:00

These are the best sunscreens I've found, regardless of price. THis list is actually comprised of 2 lists: my picks, and The Popular Vote, which is the result of a survey of over 1000 beauty-obsessed women. Has your favorite made the list?

The Beauty Insider's Picks
I’ve stuck to mostly facial sunscreens on my list, since sunscreens for the body are plentiful and easy to find in any price range. The key thing, of course, is to look for broad or full spectrum protection, and don’t trust the marketing: if it doesn’t say titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, or Parsol 1789 on the active ingredient list, then it doesn’t shield you from UVB rays and should be avoided. (UVA rays protect against skin cancer; UVB rays protect against aging and the hyperpigmentation and wrinkles that accompany it.)
Tip: Sunscreen should be the first product you apply after cleansing and toning. Give it a few moments to sink in before continuing your skincare routine.

1. Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion SPF 55 PA+++: A salesperson at Sephora told me that he’s tried every sunscreen on the market, and this is the best. I was pleased to see that his raves were justified. It’s non-oily, leaves a matte finish, smells gorgeous (but not strong), and dries quickly. A pleasure to use. $36

2. June Jacobs Spa Collection Oil-Free Sunscreen Mist SPF 15: This stuff is amazing. A mist of weightless, oil-free sunscreen hydrates and feels as refreshing as water. Skin-soothing ingredients blend with powerful sunscreens to make this a perfect, everyday, under-your-makeup pick. $32

3. Ocean Potion Anti-Aging Sunblock SPF 50: Ocean Potion has been a surfer’s staple for years, but it’s just now reaching cult status among more landlocked types. Antioxidants and a full-spectrum sunblock with Parsol 1789 shield skin from the most damaging rays. It’s affordable, water-resistant, oil-free, and smells like a creamsicle. $7

4. Jan Marini Antioxidant Daily Face Protection SPF 30 Waterproof: This is not just oil-free, it’s oil-absorbing. The “microscopic sponge encapsulation” technology traps and soaks up oils and other unwanted skin destroyers. It’s not greasy or heavy, and it keeps skin matte yet hydrated all day long. The amazingly elegant formula glides on effortlessly with no stickiness, whiteness, or gumminess. A soft, light scent, a waterproof formula and broad spectrum sunscreen make this perfect for everyday use. $40

5. Peter Thomas Roth Max Sheer All Day Moisture Defense Lotion SPF 30: This is skincare that happens to contain sunscreen. It’s oil-free, fragrance-free, and chock full of good-for-your-skin ingredients like ceramides, antioxidants, and gingko biloba. Put this on in the morning and you need nothing else. $37

6. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 45: What’s not to love about this sunscreen? It leaves skin matte and fresh all day long, has a light pleasant scent, and offers full spectrum protection. Plus, it blends in easily without feeling heavy or leaving a white cast. And it’s affordable, so you’ll never skimp. $10 (approx.)

7. La Roche Posay Anthelios W Gel SPF 40: I tried this on the recommendation of a prominent dermatologist and, at the time, it was only available in Europe and Canada. I ordered it from a Canadian pharmacy online, and it was worth every penny. It’s still only available on the internet in the United States. This product offers more advanced sun protection than any domestic product, because it’s made with a newer, more advanced sunscreen ingredient not yet approved by the FDA. The gel is sheer, non-greasy, and invisible on skin. (Stock up when you’re in Europe—it’s much less expensive overseas). $48

8. SkinCeuticals Ultimate UV Defense SPF 30: This product was recommended to me by a dermatologist, and, when I tried it, I immediately knew why. This is so gentle it won’t lead to breakouts or irritate the most sensitive skin. It’s light and never greasy, so skin stays matte and free of the dreaded white mask. $34

9. La Mer The SPF 18 Fluid: I don’t buy the gibberish about gemstones capturing light energy and transforming it, but I do know that this luxurious, pricey sunscreen is one of the most elegant on the market. It’s weightless and water-based, hydrating without ever being heavy or greasy, and has spheres that can help diffuse light and draw attention away from flaws. $65

10. Hawaiian Tropic Sunblock SPF 15 Plus: This coconut-scented cream is moisturizing, full of skin-saving antioxidants, and provides broad-spectrum protection. The best part? It’s the most affordable sunscreen on the list, so you can use it with abandon. $9 (approx.)

The Popular Vote
1. Neutrogena Ultra-Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock, $10 (approx.)
2. Clinique Super City Block Oil-Free Daily Face Protector SPF 25, $15.50
3. Banana Boat Ultra Sunblock Lotion SPF 30, $8 (approx.)
4. Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 15 Fragrance-Free, $11 (approx.)
5. Coppertone Sport Sunblock Gel SPF 30, $10 (approx.)
6. Olay Complete UV Protective Moisture Lotion SPF 15, $7 (approx.)
7. Shiseido Sun Care Anessa Town Use Sunscreen SPF 30, $36
8. Aubrey Organics Sun Shade Ultra 15, $7.75
9. Avene Eau Thermale High Protection Sunscreen Milk, $17 (approx.)
10. Avon Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus SPF 30, $10

Observations from a Mom's Life

2008-02-07T22:23:00.000-05:00

The last few days have been challenging, beauty-wise. Yesterday I decided to take my 21 month old to playgroup and leave our 8 week old behind with the au pair. I am lucky. I have help. But even though I have an amazing French au pair and someone who cleans the house once a week, I can barely keep up with my two girls. Forget about making myself presentable. So we are almost out the door when I remember that I hadn't even washed my face yet that morning. I am standing in the kitchen with the makeup case that I happened to bring downstairs with me, so I glance in the microwave - the only reflective surface around - and proceed to do some damage control. I swipe some hand lotion from the pump by the kitchen sink and use it to tame the frizz from my hair. Then, using the microwave as a mirror, I apply a little concealer to the remains of a massive pimple that appeared last week (the first of its kind in a couple of years - I thought breakouts were behind me), a little powder, and some blush. All without the benefit of an actual mirror. In the car on the way to playgroup, I added some lipstick and a spritz of Flowerbomb, which can make me feel glamorous no matter what the circumstances. Yikes. Not an ideal way to start the day. So last night I resolved to get back on track, and I went on Oprah.com and printed out Dr. Oz's 14-day anti-aging program. I plan to start on Sunday, and I will write about my efforts here. In addition to the program, I intent to take a yoga class once a week, do some exercises with my babies when I can, and make an appointment with the dermatologist for a skin peel. (I had to cancel one when I found out I was pregnant, so it's a long time coming.)

I want to set a good example for my daughters, so I need to take care of myself. I want them to see me as happy, healthy, even a little glamorous, because I know that they will model themselves after me, whether they want to or not. That's why motherhood is the toughest job in the world. Everything, even taking care of yourself, becomes about your children.

The Best Home Fragrance Products, Ever

2008-02-05T19:49:00.000-05:00

Room sprays used to bring to mind the powdery, cloying sweetness of Glade. Then, one day, I received a bottle of Annick Goutal Parfum d’Ambiance Spray in Eau d’Hadrien, and my world changed forever. How decadent! The quality and luxury of a fine French perfume designed for the home. The world of home fragrance opened up to me, and manufacturers were happy to indulge my obsession. From the ubiquitous candle to a decadent ball filled with amber perfume crystals, I’ve dabbled in the many luxurious ways to scent a home. Here are some of my favorite finds.

Annick Goutal Parfum d’Ambiance Spray (Eau d’Hadrien): Arguably Goutal’s most famous scent, Eau d’Hadrien is a sparkly, bubbly, sophisticated blend of lemon, grapefruit, citron and cypress. One spritz of this hard-to-find room spray (in a gold-capped, frosted glass bottle worthy of Goutal) refreshes a room with a lingering scent. $60

Porthault Spray d’Ambiance (Madeleine): A sleek glass bottle holds one of seven sophisticated room scents. One spritz is enough to flood a room with a gorgeous fragrance. My favorite, Madeleine, is a feminine floral. $36

Eufora Atmosphere (Gentle Wind): This all-natural, essential oil spray gets rid of unpleasant odors like nothing else. I keep a bottle near my puppy’s litter box (yes, there is such a thing) to instantly zap odors before they permeate the room. $15 (approx.)

L’Artisan Parfumeur Les Curiosites Parfumees: L’Artisan Parfumeur is the luxe French line behind cult classics like Mure et Musc and Mimosa Pour Moi, but I think the company is most impressive in its range of home fragrance items. Sophisticated sachets shaped like flowers and tassels join hanging objets parfumes to add whimsy, elegance, and fragrance to a home. Perhaps most notable is the Amber Ball, a terracotta sphere handmade by a French potter which is filled with perfumed amber crystals. The warm, exotic scent diffuses slowly into the air. Prices range from $15 (single flower sachet) to $200 (large Amber Ball)

Archipelago Botanicals Candle Collection 60 Hour Candle (Cairo): Amber, orange blossom, myrrh and olibannum combine to produce an exotic, heady scent that transports you to faraway places. I love this so much that I included the votive version in the gift boxes for my wedding guests. Post-wedding, calls flooded in from friends inquiring about the addictive candle. $19

Diptyque Candle/Room Spray (Baies): Diptyque candles are loved by connoisseurs for their fabulous fragrances and sleek packaging. Baies is one of the most famous scents Diptyque produces, and rightfully so. It’s an enlivening fruity-floral composed of black currant leaves and Bulgarian rose. $45 (candle); $36 (room spray)

Creed Homebody/Scented Candles: My mother is hooked on Creed’s spicy Pekin Imperiale scented candle. It’s one of the strongest-scented, longest-lasting candles on the market. But in my opinion, the most notable Creed home fragrance product is the Homebody Spray. This generous, elegantly-attired spray bottle is filled with a luscious fragrance (Pekin Imperiale, Les Floralies or Riviera Flowers) designed for use in the Home and on your Body (hence, the name). How inventive. Now you never have to worry about clashing with your home. $75 (candle); $98 (Homebody)

Fresh Candles: The hip, minimalistic packaging and stunning scents of Fresh candles make them a perennial favorite. It’s hard to narrow them down, but my top picks are Palomino (a fruity, musky floral), Sugar (crisp citrus and warm caramel), and Sake (peach nectar and soft florals). $45 each

Alora Ambiance Fragrance Diffuser: This elegant, innovative diffuser was featured in every magazine when it debuted in the U.S, and with good reason. A simple glass bottle holds the fragrance. Insert a bunch of long, scent-diffusing sticks into the bottle to add fragrance and atmosphere to a room. My favorite of the scents is Isola, a mixture of tuberose, gardenia and fig. $76

Esteban Potpourri (Ambre): This isn’t your grandmother’s potpourri. No dried leaves, here. Instead, Esteban uses porous ceramic in simple, decorative shapes to dispense fragrance slowly and steadily over time. A few drops of refresher oil weekly, and you have a home fragrance product that is as decorative as it is effective. A cousin gave me Ambre as a gift, and I am astonished by the heady, lingering scent of amber, bergamot and lemon. Esteban also makes incense, candles, room sprays, even vacuum powder and furniture polish. $38 (potpourri); $13.50 (refresher oil)

Best Home Fragrance Products, Ever

2008-02-05T19:44:00.000-05:00

Room sprays used to bring to mind the powdery, cloying sweetness of Glade. Then, one day, I received a bottle of Annick Goutal Parfum d’Ambiance Spray in Eau d’Hadrien, and my world changed forever. How decadent! The quality and luxury of a fine French perfume designed for the home. The world of home fragrance opened up to me, and manufacturers were happy to indulge my obsession. From the ubiquitous candle to a decadent ball filled with amber perfume crystals, I’ve dabbled in the many luxurious ways to scent a home. Here are some of my favorite finds.

Annick Goutal Parfum d’Ambiance Spray (Eau d’Hadrien): Arguably Goutal’s most famous scent, Eau d’Hadrien is a sparkly, bubbly, sophisticated blend of lemon, grapefruit, citron and cypress. One spritz of this hard-to-find room spray (in a gold-capped, frosted glass bottle worthy of Goutal) refreshes a room with a lingering scent. $60

Porthault Spray d’Ambiance (Madeleine): A sleek glass bottle holds one of seven sophisticated room scents. One spritz is enough to flood a room with a gorgeous fragrance. My favorite, Madeleine, is a feminine floral. $36

Eufora Atmosphere (Gentle Wind): This all-natural, essential oil spray gets rid of unpleasant odors like nothing else. I keep a bottle near my puppy’s litter box (yes, there is such a thing) to instantly zap odors before they permeate the room. $15 (approx.)

L’Artisan Parfumeur Les Curiosites Parfumees: L’Artisan Parfumeur is the luxe French line behind cult classics like Mure et Musc and Mimosa Pour Moi, but I think the company is most impressive in its range of home fragrance items. Sophisticated sachets shaped like flowers and tassels join hanging objets parfumes to add whimsy, elegance, and fragrance to a home. Perhaps most notable is the Amber Ball, a terracotta sphere handmade by a French potter which is filled with perfumed amber crystals. The warm, exotic scent diffuses slowly into the air. Prices range from $15 (single flower sachet) to $200 (large Amber Ball)

Archipelago Botanicals Candle Collection 60 Hour Candle (Cairo): Amber, orange blossom, myrrh and olibannum combine to produce an exotic, heady scent that transports you to faraway places. I love this so much that I included the votive version in the gift boxes for my wedding guests. Post-wedding, calls flooded in from friends inquiring about the addictive candle. $19

Diptyque Candle/Room Spray (Baies): Diptyque candles are loved by connoisseurs for their fabulous fragrances and sleek packaging. Baies is one of the most famous scents Diptyque produces, and rightfully so. It’s an enlivening fruity-floral composed of black currant leaves and Bulgarian rose. $45 (candle); $36 (room spray)

Creed Homebody/Scented Candles: My mother is hooked on Creed’s spicy Pekin Imperiale scented candle. It’s one of the strongest-scented, longest-lasting candles on the market. But in my opinion, the most notable Creed home fragrance product is the Homebody Spray. This generous, elegantly-attired spray bottle is filled with a luscious fragrance (Pekin Imperiale, Les Floralies or Riviera Flowers) designed for use in the Home and on your Body (hence, the name). How inventive. Now you never have to worry about clashing with your home. $75 (candle); $98 (Homebody)

Fresh Candles: The hip, minimalistic packaging and stunning scents of Fresh candles make them a perennial favorite. It’s hard to narrow them down, but my top picks are Palomino (a fruity, musky floral), Sugar (crisp citrus and warm caramel), and Sake (peach nectar and soft florals). $45 each

Alora Ambiance Fragrance Diffuser: This elegant, innovative diffuser was featured in every magazine when it debuted in the U.S, and with good reason. A simple glass bottle holds the fragrance. Insert a bunch of long, scent-diffusing sticks into the bottle to add fragrance and atmosphere to a room. My favorite of the scents is Isola, a mixture of tuberose, gardenia and fig. $76

Esteban Potpourri (Ambre): This isn’t your grandmother’s potpourri. No dried leaves, here. Instead, Esteban uses porous ceramic in simple, decorative shapes to dispense fragrance slowly and steadily over time. A few drops of refresher oil weekly, and you have a home fragrance product that is as decorative as it is effective. A cousin gave me Ambre as a gift, and I am astonished by the heady, lingering scent of amber, bergamot and lemon. Esteban also makes incense, candles, room sprays, even vacuum powder and furniture polish. $38 (potpourri); $13.50 (refresher oil)

The Best Intensive Body Moisturizers, Ever

2008-01-20T20:23:00.000-05:00

This category covers the very best intensive body moisturizers, regardless of price. Feel free to weigh in on your favorites. This list is actually comprised of two separate lists:
1) The Beauty Insider's Picks: My own personal list of the best products in that category, in no particular order
2) The Popular Vote: The results of a poll I did of over 1000 beauty-savvy consumers, in order of popularity.

The Beauty Insider's Picks
1. Yu-Be Moisturizing Cream: This exotic product has very down-to-earth benefits. Created by a young Japanese pharmacist in 1957, it’s since become a staple for its ability to heal peeling, parched skin on knees, elbows, and feet. It’s packed with healthy hydrators like glycerin, vitamin E and B12. $29.95
2. Surgeon’s Skin Secret: Another decades-old standby, this basic yet effective formula contains nothing but beeswax, light mineral oil and lanolin. You can even use it on your lips. For travel, the same formula comes in a handy lavender-infused stick. The packaging is nothing to rave about, but the unbeatable, unfussy formula and modest price tag make it a best bet. $13.95
3. Lotil Cream: Formulated in England, where they know a thing or two about dry skin, this cream is a staple in British medicine cabinets for its ability to heal cracked, split skin, and prevent it from recurring. $16.50
4. Deep Steep Moisture Stick: Adorable packaging aside, this is one seriously ingenious little stick. An all-natural blend of cocoa and shea butters and essential oils melt on contact, relieving dry skin without greasing up fingers. It comes in two inspired scents: Honeydew-Spearmint or Grapefruit-Bergamot. $16
5. Aquaphor Original Ointment: If it’s gentle enough for a baby’s bottom, it’s gentle enough for your knees. Originally formulated to treat a baby’s delicate skin, this fragrance-free, preservative-free formula is safe for even the touchiest types. It soothes raw, irritated skin and helps heal dryness. $16.50 (approx.)
6. DDF Glycolic Intensive Cream 18%: Spread a little of this thick cream on dry patches before bed, and you’ll wake up to stunningly silky knees, elbows, and feet. It even helps control mild cases of psoriasis. $39
7. Elon Skin Repair System: This heavy, extremely moisturizing cream stays put, continually delivering soothing moisture to skin that is dry, rough and cracked. $19
8. Osmotics Tri-Ceram: This innovative cream contains a patented formula that is designed to replenish the skin’s ceramide deficiency, which can cause skin disorders such as eczema, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. If this cream can help heal those skin conditions, imagine what it can do for everyday dryness. $30
9. Atopalm MLE Cream: This steroid-free cream soothes irritated, dry, flaky skin without any unwanted side effects. Gentle enough for even the most sensitive, this concentrated cream can be used all over, or only on seriously dry parts. $30
10. Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream: This basic, non-irritating formula can be used on face and body to seal in moisture. It’s so light, it doesn’t aggravate acne or leave skin greasy, but so hydrating that, when used regularly, it heals painful cracked fingertips. $10 (approx.)

The Popular Vote
1. Vaseline Petroleum Jelly, $3 (approx.)
2. The Body Shop Body Butter, $16
3. L’Occitane Pure Shea Butter, $35
4. Avon Moisture Therapy Intensive Extra Strength Cream, $6 (approx.)
5. Aquaphor Original Ointment, $16.50 (approx.)
6. Cocoa Butter
7. Lush King of Skin, $10.20
8. Nivea Creamy Conditioning Oil, $6.99
9. Kiehl’s Intensive Treatment and Moisturizer for Dry or Callused Areas, $21
10. Shea Butter

The Best Body Creams, Ever

2008-01-13T20:29:00.000-05:00

This category covers the very best body creams, regardless of price. Feel free to weigh in on your favorites. This list is actually comprised of two separate lists:
1) The Beauty Insider's Picks: My own personal list of the best products in that category, in no particular order
2) The Popular Vote: The results of a poll I did of over 1000 beauty-savvy consumers, in order of popularity.

The Beauty Insider's Picks
1. Acqua di Parma Relaxing Orange Soft Cream: I took this entire collection on my honeymoon to St. Barth’s, and the hip blue packaging and luscious light citrusy scent won over me and my husband. This soothing, deeply hydrating cream is infused with the anti-aging benefits of vitamins A, C and E, plus orange blossom extract to make skin vibrant and glycerin to trap moisture. $55
2. Christiane Celle Calypso Perfumed Body Cream (Mimosa): This rich, luxurious cream is flowery without being fussy. I love the beautiful glass jar and the way it hydrates the most parched skin. $56 (approx.)
3. Nivea Renewal Night Crème for Body: Ceramides and vitamins F and H provide some serious skin therapy, firming and strengthening your skin while you sleep. The relaxing fragrance offers therapy of the aromatic kind, putting your senses in the right mood for slumber. $9.51
4. Archipelago Botanicals Soy Milk Hand & Body Body Crème No. 3: I don’t know what it is about this cream that has me reaching for it above almost any other. It’s addictive. I sent a tube to my cousin, and it became an instant favorite. Maybe it’s the soft, clean-smelling, barely-there scent, or the soothing, hydrating formula. I can even use it on freshly shaved skin without a hint of irritation. $15
5. Enessa After Bath Body Oil (Fresh): Most body oils have warm, spicy aromas, but this one is really unusual. It’s just as luxurious as other body oils, but it absorbs quickly and leaves behind nothing but a fresh, clean scent. It’s formulated with a combination of oils, including golden jojoba, grapeseed, safflower and essential oils of lemon, mandarin and orange. $28
6. L’Occitane Honey Harvest Body Balm: I love the warm sweet smell of honey, a great moisturizer, and this balm is packed with it, along with other nourishing ingredients like propolis and royal jelly. The creamy texture absorbs quickly and leaves my skin yummy and silky. $33
7. Fresh Rice Dry Body Oil: The company describes the scent of this amazing oil as “camellia and grapefruit deepened by luscious bourgeon de cassis, ripening into a fruity, earthy essence.” I call it addictive. I can’t stop slathering this oil on my arms and legs, or enlisting my husband to rub it into my shoulders. It’s got botanicals designed to warm muscles, and leaves skin silky, not greasy, with a gorgeous glow. $42
8. Dr. Hauschka Rose Body Oil: I know that a lot of people find a pure rose fragrance rather grandmotherly and old-fashioned, but I love it. This smells like walking through a rose garden after a summer shower, and it soothes skin and spirit while leaving behind a subtle sheen. $31
9. Benefit Bathina “Touch Me Then Try to Leave…” Cream: This cooling cream is so girlie and indulgent, it instantly became a favorite. The scent is seductive yet subtle, and it absorbs easily, leaving you moisturized but never greasy. $26
10. Neutrogena Body Oil with Sesame: This has been a standby since college, and it’s still hip. The subtle scent of sesame is sophisticated and slightly Asian-inspired, and it’s instantly relaxing. Plus, this is a “light oil” that absorbs instantly, leaving skin silky, not greasy. $15 (approx.)

The Popular Vote
1. The Body Shop Body Butter in Cocoa, $16
2. Clinique Deep Comfort Body Butter, $23.50
3. Bath & Body Works creams, $14-28
4. BeneFit Bathina “Touch Me Then Try to Leave”… Cream, $26
5. Avon Moisture Therapy Intensive Extra Strength Cream, $6 (approx.)
6. eSoaps Whipped Cream, $6
7. Lush Dream Cream, $19.95
8. Natural Esscents Body Whip (any scent), $7
9. Nivea Crème, $3.69
10. Origins Ginger Souffle Whipped Body Cream, $26

Impractical Skincare

2008-01-12T19:43:00.000-05:00

Now that I am no longer pregnant, my skincare options have opened up. I can go back to using some of the products and ingredients I steered clear of during my pregnancy, so I was excited to pull out a few products from a line that I have been waiting to try and to test and give them a shot. This line contains a couple of products for morning and a couple for evening. In the evening, I used the wrinkle reducing serum and the eye cream, and liked them well enough, so far. But the next morning, I went to use the morning products and decided to read the labels to see which product should be used first. I couldn't believe what I read. The label says that each of these products should be left on for 15 minutes before applying makeup or the next product. 15 minutes for each product to penetrate. Who has an extra half hour to tack on to their morning routine? I am lucky if I can find the time to smooth on a cream or two, but to wait 15 minutes after each step to let it penetrate? Not a chance. So I am going to test the products, since I have them and they do look interesting, without waiting, and see what happens.

Any other examples of completely impractical skincare advice/routines/products? I'd love to hear about them!

The Frump Factor: Nursing Attire Part I

2008-01-08T22:41:00.000-05:00

Thank goodness I have a gorgeous newborn with a full head of hair, because her beauty helped to detract from my feelings of frumpiness last night when I toted her along to a meeting. In preparation of a visit with the flatiron that never happened, my hair was pulled back. I wore a black sleeveless wrap front jersey dress from James Perse, BCBG black patent d'Orsay pumps, and a Donna Karan pink wrap cardigan. Nothing worked. The dress didn't seem to fit my postpartum body, the cardigan hung listlessly, and my hair looked dated and frizzy. Yuck.

In a way, dressing as a nursing mother is more challenging and more fraught with opportunities for disaster than maternity fashion. It's hard to keep from looking disheveled while nurturing another human being. Somehow, it always seems to show. So, for myself and the other nursing mothers out there, I plan to research some of the options for nursing mothers, from the conventional to the not-so-obvious, and I'll start with the upiquitous nursing cami.

The Glamourmom Nursing Tank: Let me start by saying that I ordered this in a size too big, a medium instead of a small, based on the company's own sizing information. I recommend ordering according to your shirt size and not according to your bra size, unless your breasts are extremely large. Because of this, the tank is just a little too big throughout the whole body. Otherwise, these offer great style (there are now longer, tunic-length versions available, as well as some trimmed with lace), great fabric, and great versatility. They're comfortable and reasonably stylish, and can be worn as underwear or outerwear, and even to bed. I do have a couple of gripes, however. First, the nursing closure is tricky at best, and requires two hands sometimes, which is tricky when you have a hungry, crying infant to deal with. Second, I wish it wasn't so obviously a nursing tank, but the straps very clearly show the nursing closure, taking away some of the glamour and putting the emphasis on the "mom" part of the name. Otherwise, I consider these an essential.

Check back for more nursing fashion reviews!

The Post Baby Body

2008-01-07T22:14:00.000-05:00

I admit it. I'm lucky. It's been less than 4 weeks since Eva was born, and I've already lost my pregnancy weight. But my body still has a long way to go to look anything like it did pre-baby. Here's what's wrong:
1. I still have the discoloration on my stomach from whatever they applied to it during the c-section.
2. My incision site is still puffy and ugly and covered with tape.
3. The skin on my stomach feels dry and crepey and a little rough, and when I bend over, even the littlest bit, it wrinkles up like an accordion.
4. My stomach still protrudes a little.
5. My breasts are either massive and painfully engorged, or sad and lopsided, depending on how much Eva has been eating.
6. I have no muscle tone due to lack of exercise.

So now begins the work of getting things back in order. Check back often as I report on what works and what doesn't on the long road back to normalcy!

The Best Body Lotions Ever

2008-01-06T21:50:00.000-05:00

This category covers the very best body lotions, regardless of price. Feel free to weigh in on your favorites. This list is actually comprised of two separate lists:
1) The Beauty Insider's Picks: My own personal list of the best products in that category, in no particular order
2) The Popular Vote: The results of a poll I did of over 1000 beauty-savvy consumers, in order of popularity.

The Beauty Insider's Picks
1. Palmer’s Skin Success Eventone Fade Milk: This light, sweet-smelling, easily absorbed lotion really works wonders to erase dark spots, scars and acne marks. When I use it regularly, my skin feels silky soft. $8.60
2. L’Oreal HydraFresh Moisturizing Body Spray: I’m not normally a fan of spray-on body products, as I find them hard to control, but this lotion made me a convert. This is the one I reach for on hot and humid Florida days because it is so light, refreshing, and non-sticky. It absorbs instantly, leaving nothing but clean-smelling satiny skin behind. $5.99
3. Frederic Fekkai Moisturizing Body Lotion with Shea Butter: The skin on my body is problematic, with dry limbs and pimple-prone areas on my back and chest. This lotion feels light and is oil-free, but, with a combination of shea butter, grapeseed, macadamia nut and sunflower seed, it’s still luxurious and moisturizing. $32
4. DDF Retinol Energizing Body Lotion: I gave a bottle of this to my aunt, and she was hooked on this anti-aging cream for the body. It contains just as much retinol and antioxidants as the corresponding face product, and regular use makes skin more vibrant and youthful. $90
5. Caswell-Massey Beauty Nectar Lotion: I first discovered this more than ten years ago, when it came in a beautiful glass flacon with stopper. It has since been repackaged in a less inspired, but more practical, plastic pump bottle, but the formula hasn’t changed. This lush, peach-colored lotion is packed with a trio of fruit acids and vitamin E to smooth out rough spots and leave skin gleaming and soft. $20
6. Neutrogena Body Clear Body Lotion: I love that this easy-to-apply lotion moisturizes and clears acne at the same time. Skin is left soft, not dry, and even telltale scars are diminished. It’s also not greasy or sticky. Too bad it’s discontinued. N/A
7. Lubriderm Daily UV Lotion SPF 15: Use this in place of your regular daytime body lotion, and you’ll get a light, fragrance-free, quickly-absorbed lotion and sunscreen in one easy step. $8 (approx.)
8. Peter Thomas Roth AHA12% Body Lotion: Most body lotions with powerful doses of AHAs pack quite a punch, but this formula is gentle and soothing without sacrificing the exfoliating action of acids. This fragrance-free lotion smoothes out rough patches, evens out skin tone, and won’t lead to body breakouts. $40
9. Fresh SugarBath Body Lotion: I love all three scents of this addictive lotion: Lily, Lemon and Lychee. The texture is amazing—light and luscious—and the sophisticated-sweet scent is never cloying or obnoxious. I use this in the evening, when I want to pamper myself before slipping into bed. $30
10. La Mer The Body Serum: This silky serum, while not technically a lotion, hydrates like one while treating skin the way a face serum would. It gradually fades pigmentation problems, spider veins and blotchiness while hydrating and soothing. $150

The Popular Vote
1. Bath & Body Works, $9-17.50
2. Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Lotion, $6 (approx.)
3. Nivea Original Lotion, $7 (approx.)
4. Aveeno Creamy Moisturizing Oil/Daily Moisturizing Lotion/Skin Relief (tie), $8/$7/$11 (approx.)
5. Avon Moisture Therapy Lotion (original), $8 (approx.)
6. Curel Daily Moisture Therapy Lotion, Original Formula, $9.50 (approx.)
7. Keri Moisture Therapy Lotion, Original for Dry Skin, $7.29 (approx.)
8. Kiehl’s Crème de Corps, $15
9. Lush Sympathy for the Skin, $19.45
10. Simply Satisfying Soaps Satisfyingly Soft Hand & Body Lotion (any scent), $8.79

The Perfect Gift - For Yourself!

2008-01-02T10:41:00.000-05:00

If only I'd seen this earlier. Sephora has come out with a brilliant gift idea that would have made every girl on my gift list happy. It's called the Scent Sampler. Basically, you buy your lucky giftee a $50 fragrance gift certificate, and it comes packaged with an assortment of ten hot new fragrances. She tries them all, picks her favorite, and then redeems the certificate at her local Sephora for full-size bottle of her fragrance of choice. It also gives fragrance fanatics a chance to try all the hot new scents without making several trips to Sephora. So simple, yet so perfect. We all know how dicey it can be to try to choose a fragrance for someone. Either you take your chances with such a personal purchase, or you resort to buying them more of what they've already been wearing. Why didn't anyone think of this sooner?
Fortunately this is one gift you can easily give yourself, especially if, like me, your hectic scheduel doesn't give you much time to roam the perfume section of your favorite department store. Now if only someone would do this with candles and other home fragrances as well (my latest obsession for the last several months has been to find a signature scent for my home!).

The Best Bath Products Ever (oh, and I'm back!)

2007-12-30T20:21:00.000-05:00

After the birth of my second baby, her tiny majesty Princess Eva Noelle, I am finally back and blogging and better than ever. I have lots of great blogs coming up, so keep checking back!

This category covers the very best bath products, regardless of price. Feel free to weigh in on your favorites. This list is actually comprised of two separate lists:
1) The Beauty Insider's Picks: My own personal list of the best products in that category, in no particular order
2) The Popular Vote: The results of a poll I did of over 1000 beauty-savvy consumers, in order of popularity.

The Beauty Insider's Picks
1. Fresh Lemon Sugar Bath Cubes: I am a huge Fresh fanatic, and the Lemon Sugar scent is my favorite of all. These adorable bubbly bath cubes look like giant chunks of sugar, but they dissolve into the bath to leave it softly scented and lusciously healing. You emerge with soft, fresh skin. I’m obsessed with this stuff. $26
2. Santa Maria Novella Pomegranate Bath Salts: The prized, antioxidant-packed pomegranate is put to good use in these seriously relaxing bath salts. This handmade, gorgeously-clad bath product is scented with the heady aroma of pomegranate for a truly transporting bath experience. $33
3. Claus Porto Foam Bath: These cool, colorfully-papered tubes do as much for your bath décor as they do for your body. Inside, you’ll find a foaming, soothing bath formulated with vegetable oil and one of eight intoxicating scents. My favorite is Honeysuckle, a fresh floral that recalls a stay in the south of France. $20
4. Dr. Hauschka Lemon Bath: There’s something about rather austere, clinical lines like Dr. Hauschka, Weleda and Kniepp that makes me feel as if I am doing something truly therapeutic, almost medicinal, for my body. I love this refreshing lemon bath oil for its sunny scent and its soothing moisture; it doesn’t hurt that it’s also supposed to treat oily skin and cellulite. $26.50
5. Caswell-Massey New York Bath Tub Gin: Kitschy gin bottle notwithstanding, this is one sophisticated and sparkling bath product. The clear, juniper-scented gel produces bountiful bubbles while softening skin with glycerin. Plus, the huge 32oz bottle makes it a bath bargain. $25
6. Laura Mercier Tarte Au Citron Honey Bath: I love the decadent packaging: you use a wooden dipper to ladle the foam into your bath. And there’s nothing more sinfully rich than the honey and lemon tart scent; it’s tangy, creamy and sweet at the same time, like the best desserts. $40
7. Deep Steep Honey Bubble Bath in Grapefruit/Bergamot: I love the whimsical bottle and the creamy, moisturizing formula. It’s also super-gentle and soap-free, $19.50
8. Dirty Girl Bubble Bath: When I want serious, supersized bubbles, I reach for this cheeky bottle. Don’t let the name fool you; this skin softening bath will get the grimiest girl squeaky clean, and leave your skin softly scented with the faintly floral, “lily-fresh” fragrance. $11.95
9. Mor Nougat Bath Foam/Bath Soak: Gorgeous packaging and a rich, warm, chocolatey-nutty fragrance make these bath products as satisfying as a sinful chocolate dessert. Well, almost. The Bath Foam produces loads of bubbles; for a more tranquil milky bath, choose the Bath Soak. $26 (foam)/$22 (soak)
10. LoLLIA Relaxing Foaming Bath (Lavender & Honey): This subtly floral, generously foaming bath is soothingly scented with an unusual combination of honey and lavender that is surprisingly romantic. One caveat: am I missing the connection between alcoholic beverages and bubble baths [see Caswell-Massey New York Bath Tub Gin, above]? The clear glass wine bottle might be stunning in its minimalism, but a cork (yes, you do need a corkscrew) is not the most convenient cap for a bubble bath. $30

The Popular Vote
1. Lush Bath Bombs, $3.45-$5.95
2. Bath & Body Works, $9-22
3. Lush Creamy Candy Bath Bubble Bar, $5.10
4. Ohm by Olay Body Wash, $4 (approx.)
5. Ahava Dead Sea Bath Salts, $17
6. Artistry Foaming Body Wash, $20.85
7. Aveeno Body Wash, $7-8 (approx.)
8. Badedas Bath Gelee, $25
9. Bath by Bettijo Lavender Chamomile Tub Tea, $24
10. Bliss Soaps Pure Hand Cut Soap, $4.50

The Best Body Scrubs Ever

2007-12-09T22:10:00.000-05:00

This category covers the very best body scrubs, regardless of price. Feel free to weigh in on your favorites. This list is actually comprised of two separate lists:
1) The Beauty Insider's Picks: My own personal list of the best products in that category, in no particular order
2) The Popular Vote: The results of a poll I did of over 1000 beauty-savvy consumers, in order of popularity.

The Beauty Insider's Picks
1. DermaNew Crystal Resurfacing Soap: This innovative soap/scrub has an ingenious handle that makes massaging the gently sloughing formula onto wet skin super simple. It leaves skin silky and soft, and, with regular use, prevents ingrown hairs. $20
2. L’Occitane Amande Exfolating & Defining Delicious Paste: Like marzipan for your shower, this luscious scrub combines almonds and sugar to slough and silken. I love using this at night, and slipping into slumber with the soft sweet fragrance on my skin. $32
3. Demeter Buff Your Body Polishing Sugar Scrub: This reasonably priced scrub is gentle and moisturizing, and formulated with edible ingredients like mango seed butter and grapeseed oil. It even comes in an assortment of sweet scents, like Angel Food and Cremecicle. My favorite is Sugar Cookie. $19
4. Too Faced Sugar Smack: Once again, the line between body treatment and dessert is blurred with this mouthwatering blend of strawberries and brown sugar. I love the way the tub looks on my tub, and the fact that it’s gentle enough to use as often as I choose to indulge. $22.50
5. M.D. Skincare Alpha Beta Daily Body Peel: This is one body exfoliant that’s designed to be used every day, outside of the shower. One pad deposits a blend of hydroxy acids, antioxidants and oil-free moisturizers onto skin, and the second pad neutralizes the acids. I am a sucker for body treatments, and these two simple steps really get me glowing. $78
6. Kenzoki Sensual Rice Steam Milky Rice Body Scrub: With a name this intriguing, I had to try this. Rice plant water conditions and gently exfoliates, leaving a warm scent and silky softness behind. It’s like comfort food for your skin. $42
7. DuWop Buttercream Sugar Scrub: Again, the name drew me in, but the decadently rich formula won me over. This sugar scrub is so lusciously creamy, I was tempted to taste it. Instead, I massaged it into my skin, and emerged from the shower with soft, subtly-scented skin. $24
8. Lucky Chick Mimosa, Jasmine and Violet Sugar Body Scrub: I’m a big fan of Lucky Chick’s Mimosa, Jasmine and Violet fragrance, and it’s at its best in this soothing, aloe-and-vitamin E-infused body scrub. $22
9. Fresh Sugarbath Brown Sugar Body Polish: This is the sugar scrub that started it all. It’s the priciest and most coveted, and with good reason. I think the Fresh Sugarbath collection has one of the top three scents in the world: it’s refreshingly lemony but sophisticated at the same time. I’m addicted. $58
10. Mor Pomegranate Brown Sugar Body Polish: I am currently obsessed with Mor’s bath and body products; the to-die-for packaging and sophisticated fragrances have won me over. It was hard to narrow it down to one scent, but I couldn’t pass up the stunning, deep red scrub inspired by one of my favorite fruits. Pomegranate is one of nature’s top antioxidants. This scrub combines it with red berries and passion fruit to make a fabulous fruit cocktail for your body. $25

The Popular Vote
Note: A homemade scrub of sugar and olive oil also made the list.
1. Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy Sugar Scrub, $20
2. Totally Juicy Sugar Scrub in Apple or Grapefruit (tie), $4 (approx.)
3. St. Ives Apricot Scrub, $4.53 (approx.)
4. Origins Salt Rub Smoothing Body Scrub, $30
5. Natural Esscents Sugar Body Scrub (any scent), $10
6. Bliss Hot Salt Scrub, $36
7. Fresh Brown Sugar Body Scrub, $58
8. Lush Gumback Express Smoothie [Discontinued. Note: Buffy the Backside Slayer is a good alternative], $10.40
9. Philosophy Gingerbread Man, $25
10. Aveda Smoothing Body Polish, $20

What Happened to My Hair?

2007-12-08T21:35:00.000-05:00

My husband still comments on how my hair looked the night we met. I was coming down the stairs of my apartment building on Boston's Newbury Street, and the first thing he saw was my skinny legs, followed by a huge head of curly hair. I had spent the day running around and didn't have much time to get ready for our blind date, so my hair was full, fluffy and very very curly. I had lots of it, and it was pretty hard to manage. Since it was so thick and so curly, detangling it took quite a bit of time, and taming it took quite a bit of product. I was going through some old pictures, when I saw one taken nearly 15 years ago. I was standing out in the Miami sunshine with very long, thick curly hair blowing in the breeze. The curls were ropey, almost, and my virgin hair went from dark at the roots to yellow-orange at the ends. Fast forward a few years: I have been married more than 6 years, and during that time, my hair has changed. The change has been gradual, of course, so I can't really pinpoint a cause or a time, but I do know that it has become thinner (though still very thick), less curly, and less full overall. It's no longer unmanageable, and it only takes a minute or two to detangle when I have my conditioner in. I now apply hair products for shine and definition and control, but not to squash and weigh my hair down into submission. It's like having a completely different head of hair. I have no idea what caused such a dramatic change in my tresses, but it may be one or more of the following:
1. A couple of haircuts at Ouidad Salon in New York City, where they used their famous cutting technique to remove some of the heft from my hair
2. The fact that, like your skin, your hair naturally changes with age
3. Pregnancy. I've had friends tell me that pregnancy completely changed their hair

But the fact remains that I now have easier, more manageable hair at a time in my life when I desperately need things to be easy, so even though I (along with my husband) occasionally miss my formerly wild locks, I wouldn't trade this newfound ease for anything!

Curly to Straight in Record Time!

2007-12-03T11:11:00.000-05:00

My hair is very curly, and usually, I'm okay with that. After all, I live in Florida, and it's just not practical to battle the humidity all the time and to squeeze regular blowouts into a schedule that includes a toddler, an upcoming (next week!) newborn, and a million other things. Plus, I like my hair curly, and so does my husband. But sometimes a girl just needs a change. This weekend, we hosted our annual Christmas party with 50 or so of our closest friends, and the theme was a 60s retro holiday, so I needed straight hair. Shiny, sleek, poker straight hair. Since I didn't have time to make it to a salon, my mom said she would do it for me. She straightens her hair regularly, and swears by the FHI Runway Ceramic Ionic Flat Iron tha I gave her a year or so ago. And I've noticed an amazing difference in her hair since she started using it. It is so shiny, so sleek and so frizz-free, it's just amazing. But I was still skeptical, because my own hair is much curlier and less manageable. And I've NEVER had my hair straightened without a blowout first. But my mom claimed it would work, so I decided to give it a shot.
When I arrived, my hair was still in the two braids it had been in since I'd had it colored a day or two earlier, and was coated with Queen Helene Cholesterol (a really cheap product that you can buy in a huge tub at the drugstore, that really helps manage and moisturize your hair after a chemical process). My mom went to work, and from the first section, we were both in shock. Each section emerged sleek and straight and very very shiny. Best of all, it wasn't wimpy and flyaway like it usually is after a blowout, and it lasted!! Even after a couple of days running around after Lola, a walk on the beach with the family yesterday (yes, a walk on the beach!!!) and two days of virtual neglect, it is still perfect. Let's just say if it wasn't for hygiene's sake, I wouldn't need to wash it at all!
And it only took 45 minutes. For my very thick, curly, and long hair, that's amazing.
Unbelievable. This could change my life forever. I might actually be able to wear my hair straight sometimes, just because, even when there isn't a special event. Now I'm buying myself one for Christmas, and my mom's getting one for my sister. Yes, it's pricey, but when I compare the cost to the cost of blowouts and the aggravation of spending much more time using flatirons that don't work, it's a no brainer!
Here's the scoop from www.beansbeauty.com:
"The FHI Runway is "True" Ceramic Plates with *ION* Series technology developed to enhance the negative ion output produced by true ceramic heaters. This enhanced Ceramic *ION* flat iron gives your hair maximum moisture and conditioning while eliminating frizz. Product Features: Patented integrated ceramic heating technology 100% solid, selft adjusting ceramic plates will never peel. Styling versatility: damp or dry hair and temp. range from 140° to 450° Heats up in seconds Automatic Sense Recovery System: Quickly recovers heat to the ceramic plates." $350

The Best Body Washes Ever

2007-12-02T11:13:00.000-05:00

This category covers the very best body washes regardless of price. Feel free to weigh in on your favorites. This list is actually comprised of two separate lists:
1) The Beauty Insider's Picks: My own personal list of the best products in that category, in no particular order
2) The Popular Vote: The results of a poll I did of over 1000 beauty-savvy consumers, in order of popularity.

The Beauty Insider's Picks
1. Mario Russo Olive Juice: I think “Olive Juice” is a misnomer for this frothy, freshly-scented shower gel. It’s super-sudsy, yet leaves skin supremely silky and soft. And the fragrance is light enough for the man in your life, without a hint of that dreaded “unisex” scent. $18
2. Mor Limoncello Body Wash: Stunning packaging aside, this line offers seriously sudsy formulas with sophisticated scents. A morning shower with this bubbly, lemony scent is a mildly bracing experience that just makes you feel happy to be awake. Yes, that is possible. $18
3. Clinique Skin Cushion Body Wash: This luxuriously creamy body wash is more about softness than suds; it soothes even the driest skin into submission. It also doubles as a great shaving cream. I love the warm, slightly citrus-y scent. $18.50
4. Fresh Original Body Shampoo (Hesperides): I first fell in love with Fresh several years ago, when the Boston-based company opened its first store on that city’s famed Newbury Street. I’ve since become addicted to the gorgeous, yet practical, packaging and the unbeatable formulas. This gentle wash cleanses and softens with shea butter and glycerin. If I had to pick one scent, it would be Hesperides, a sparkly grapefruit that I first discovered when it was used as the hand soap at Radius, a hip Boston restaurant. $25
5. Caswell Massey Cucumber Body Wash: This refreshing green gel boasts a light yet addictive fragrance of cucumber, melon and vanilla that lingers all day. It’s gentle and stimulating at the same time: one of my favorite ways to start the day. $15
6. Frederic Fekkai Moisturizing Body Wash with Shea Butter: Shea butter gives this body wash a lush, velvety quality that softens and silkens dry skin without being greasy. Nothing is left behind but a soft, fresh fragrance. $20
7. Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin Shower Gel: Jo Malone’s signature scent, this sophisticated citrus is unlike anything you’ve ever smelled. Subtly refreshing, it’s the perfect scent for this moisturizing shower gel. $50
8. Les Bains du Marais Foaming Gel with Genuine Black Soap: This unusual, exotic formula from a plush Parisian hideaway is loaded with black soap, honey, hibiscus flower and bitter orange, as well as skin-loving oils. The unscented formula leaves skin soft and nourished. $28
9. Mistral Shower Gel (Verbena): I love Mistral’s packaging: metal tubes with vintage-style labels. This sudsy formula is infused with the classic, refreshing scent of Verbena. $16
10. Kiehl’s Liquid Body Cleanser (Grapefruit or Vanilla): I love this easy-on-the-epidermis body wash, which contains skin’s own natural moisturizer, Sodium PCA. The selection of scents offers something for everybody; my current favorites are warm Vanilla and zesty Grapefruit. $13

The Popular Vote
1. Bath & Body Works Pleasures Creamy Body Wash, $10
2. Aveeno Skin Relief, $11 (approx.)
3. Dove Exfoliating Moisturizing Body Wash, $7.37 (approx.)
4. Aveda Energizing Body Cleanser, $13
5. Olay Moisturinse Body Wash, $7.45
6. ShiKai Moisturizing Shower Gel for Dry Skin, $5.96 (approx.)
7. Bare Escentuals body washes, $16-18
8. Avon body washes, $5-8
9. Artistry Foaming Body Wash, $20.85
10. Baby Magic Calming Foaming Milk Bath with Lavender & Chamomile, $4 (approx.)