Tag Archives: natural

Purify Your Skin With Oil

I’ve always been a big fan of Philosophy, so when I needed a new facial cleanser I looked to them for guidance. I was really needing something that remove eye make-up. They recommended their Purity Made Simple Mineral Oil-Free facial cleanser. I was a little skeptical. I have oily skin and couldn’t imagine washing my skin with, well, oil. But to my surprise, it works very well.
This facial cleansing oil is made without mineral oil and instead uses a blend of natural oils that melt away all traces of make up, dirt, oil, and impurities. It comfortably cleanses my skin while maintaining my natural moisture levels. It rinses off completely, leaving my skin feeling fresh, hydrated and not greasy. And the eye make up is bye-bye.
The facial oil is super easy to use. Squirt a tiny amount into hand and massage on DRY skin for a couple of minutes. Add a few drops of water, massage for a brief interval and then rinse with water. It doesn’t seem like it could possibly get rid of all the day’s gunk, but my cotton ball is clean after applying toner. And it has a very pleasant lemon scent, which just adds to is fabulousness.

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Purity Made Simple Mineral Oil-Free facial cleanser $25
for more information, please visit Philosophy

This just may be my new favorite product. It is great for all skin types, easy to use, and pretty affordable.

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Au Natural

I am a big fan of Michael Kors’ watches. I bought one a few years ago with a really big face (mainly because I couldn’t read small faces any longer) and get tons of compliments on it. They have fabulous quality, beautiful designs, and come in tons of stylish options. I’m really digging the new “naturals” collection and thought I’d share my favorites with you.

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1. Ritz Sand Acetate Bracelet $225
2. Espresso Tone Stainless Steele and Horn Acetate Bracelet $160
3. Rio Alabaster Acetate and Stainless Steele Cuff Bracelet $195

These are more simple but still quite stunning. The colors will go with just about anything in your wardrobe, which is always a plus.

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4. Chronograph White Horn Acetate Bracelet $275
5. Chronograph Gold Tone Stainless and Tortoise Acetate Bracelet $275
6. Chronograph Tortoise Acetate and Rose Gold Bracelet

I adore chronograph watches and these are gorgeous. They are chic and classic with just the right amount of bling.

all styles shown are available at Macy’s

If you’re in the market for a new watch, I highly recommend Michael Kors. Not only do they come in natural, but gold, silver, and my new favorite-rose gold.

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A Blush All Your Own

We’ve all been there. Your in a store and the blush looks amazing, but when you get home you find the color isn’t right for you at all. None of us want to look like a clown and we all want cheeks that look natural. Well, now you can have a flush that is all your own!
Stila’s Custom Color Blush is the first-ever PH based powder blush. You know all the lip products that adjust to your own body chemistry and give you the perfect shade for you? Now you can have that for your cheeks. This blush is a “one shade fits all” and reacts to your skintone and individual PH to create a perfect, personalized shade. It is very blend-able, has a velvety-soft finish, and smoothes the appearance of fine lines. Your cheeks will have a natural glow with a luminous, flawless flush. It’s ideal for summer because it is so easy to apply-no mistakes with this wonder.

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Self-Adjusting Coral

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Self-Adjusting Pink

Stila Custom Color Blush come in two shades. Don’t be alarmed by the brightness, they are actually quite sheer and you can build the color. I prefer the coral-very sunny!

Available at Sephora

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Bunny Bronzers In A Compact

The first bronzer I remember using was my mom’s Indian Earth. It came in a terra-cotta pot and was a fine powder that could be used as a bronzer, eye shadow, ect. My mom loved this stuff. I found it difficult to apply, maybe because as a teen in the 80′s we were a little heavy-handed with the blush brush. I was often left with something that was far from a natural tan. Luckily, bronzers have come a long way. There’s one brand that has the market cornered-Too Faced. They have probably 10 different types of bronzers that give a very natural sun-kissed look, but I prefer their “Bunny” line. Today I’m going to feature my top three, but I do urge you to check them out. There is the perfect bronzer for every skin type and they are all gorgeous!

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Caribbean in a Compact-Sun Bunny $29
This combination of satin suntan and rich satin bronze is a silky, golden warmth combined with an under toned bronze that mimics a natural tan without looking like an Oompa Loompa.

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Caribbean in a Compact-Snow Bunny $29
This is my go-to bronzer in the winter. A golden bronze, delicate pink, white, and fawn glimmer create a natural and skin-perfecting glow. The color combination (just swirl together with a brush) mimics a “just got back from vacation” tan that will leave everyone envious.

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California in a Compact-Beach Bunny $29
This compact features four (bronze, soft peach, golden ivory, and golden tan) illuminating shades of sun-kissed bronzers and shimmers that add the right amount of deep summertime tan. Everyone will think you are the ultimate “California Girl”.

All are available at Sephora and Ulta.

Too Faced also offers liquid bronzers and they have a fantastic cream-to-powder bronzer as well. If you’re looking for the perfect sun-drenched look. then Too Faced is the brand for you!

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Rosy, Sun-kissed Cheeks

When I was twenty, there was one woman who’s pictures hung in my bathroom. Super model Rachel Williams was, to me, the essence of beauty. Her sun-kissed glow, her ocean-bleached hair-that was the look I wanted. She looked natural, healthy, and beautiful.

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These Elle covers from 1990 hung on my bathroom mirror. I actually saw her once when I was at the Met in New York City. She was so tall and gorgeous, all I could do was gawk!

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More photos that hung on my mirror. I worked so hard to get my hair that blonde.

Still to this day, when I think of summer beauty, I think of Rachel. Don’t we all want to look like we’ve just been to the beach? We wear our hair a little lighter, and with the right products we can achieve that sun-kissed glow. I have found two new blushes that an give me the rosy, “just got home from the beach” look without having to sacrifice the sunscreen.

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Guerlain Terracotta Blush Sun Shimmer Highlighter $41

This is fabulous! The liquid is formulated to illuminate and sculpt sun-kissed complexions with a healthy, natural looking color. The mother-of-pearl concentrate instantly highlights the cheekbones with a radiant boost of shimmery color. It comes in two shades-Sunny Pink (my fave) and Spicy Coral. You’ll look like you spent the day in the Mediterranen!

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Sephora Collection Double Contouring Cream Blush $14

This cream-to-powder blush sculpts the face for a youthful, defined look. It conditions and moisturizes skin upon application while providing a flush of healthy color. It effortlessly blends into skin and the micronized pigments provide 8 hours of budge-proof color.

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It comes in 6 shades, but I think the Poppy Pink is the most “summery”.

Both are available at Sephora

Now, the trick to achieve the proper sunny look is to apply on the apples of your cheeks. It doesn’t have to be perfect, as you want it to look like the sun hit your cheeks, and we all know it rarely happens evenly. Pair with a light, natural lip and maybe a swipe of bronzer, and people will think you spent the day at the beach.

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Beach Lover

By now, I think you all realize I love summer. I am a Leo and we cats love the sun and heat. I also love summer because I have a glow and need less makeup. Because of the importance of sunscreen, most of my glow is created by self-tanner and the right combination of products. And just in time for summer, Nars has created the perfect set to enable all women to look as though they spent the day at the beach.
Nars “Beach Lover” is a 5 piece travel-size gift set that will give you the perfect island glow. Featuring their most iconic beachy colors, this is a must have for anyone that loves the look of spending the day at the beach without really doing it.

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Nars Beach Lover $49 ($74 value) is a limited edition and is exclusive to Sephora

This amazing set contains the following products:

Blush Duo in Hungry Heart (golden ivory) and Orgasm (peach pink with golden tones). This duo compliments each other perfectly. The blushes are translucent, natural, and leave skin with a healthy glow.

Soft Touch Shadow Pencil in Skorpios (iridescent copper). This pencil is smooth and creamy and can be worn all over the eye. It is also incredibly long-wearing.

Lip Gloss in Laguna (bronze and limited edition). A very pigment dense gloss that doesn’t dry out your lips, stays put, and makes lips look kissable.

Illuminator in Laguna (brown with golden shimmer). A miracle product, this illuminator gives skin a refreshed luminosity. Worn alone or with other makeup, you will look radiant.

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No makeup, just a beachy glow (Mexico 2006)

So, if you can’t make it to an island, at least you can fake it!!

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Radiant Skin In A Pad

I’m all about glowing skin, but for me it’s a fine line between glow and a greasy shine. I’ve tried so many products that promise radiance and luminosity, but have often been left disappointed. Then I tried Bare Escentuals Bare Minerals Intensive Glow Pads Brightening Treatment. At first I was not a fan. They solution is a little sticky and I didn’t notice any change. But I stuck with it and am so glad I did. These pads are a targeted treatment that brightens and renews your skin, delivering superb luminosity. They bring back your natural radiance and improve skin tone and texture. How, you ask? Powered by Activesoil Complex and infused with potent vitamins and minerals, cell turnover is increased letting the real you shine through. The sixty pads are double-sided. Use the smooth side daily and the textured side when you need a more intense experience. I use them at night in lieu of toner and just apply in a circular motion. Like I said, they are a bit sticky, but once dry (seconds really) you don’t notice it. There is no retinol, so for those of you that find retinoids too intense, this is a great alternative.

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Bare Escentuals Bare Minerals Intensive Glow Pads Brightening Treatment $35 for 60
available at all Bare Escentuals locations, as well as Sephora, Ulta, and all major department stores.

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PS. For those of you interested in Sephora’s Lip Reveal, it is available in stores now!

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Masque It

In my never ever ending quest for soft and manageable hair, I’ve found it imperative to deep condition. I have also found that you really don’t need to spend an arm and a leg to do it. L’oreal has some amazing hair care products and their masques rival the big names. Their “Ever” line is fantastic and is made up of many wonderful products, but perhaps the best are the masques. There’s one suitable for every hair issue we women have. And best of all-they’re all under $10.

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Evercreme Deep Nourishing Masque $8.99
This is their latest (and in my opinion, greatest) masque. It nourishes and restores moisture, transforming your dry, brittle hair into a soft and luscious mane. It is sulfate-free and contains Omega 3 which is just what the doctor ordered. It also contains no heavy waxes.

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Eversleek Smoothing Deep Conditioner $8.99
This is perfect for those gals that battle frizz. It’s an intensive and rich treatment that controls frizz and improves manageability. The natural oils penetrate hair fibers making hair smooth, shiny, and virtually frizz-free. Argan, sunflower, and olive oils weightlessly smooth hair, controlling the fuzz for up to 48 hours. Perfect for those affected by summer humidity.

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Everstrong Deep Replenish Masque $8.99
Sulfate-free and using L’oreal’s patented Bio-ceramide complex, this masque strengthens hair after only one use. It’s intensive, rich, and deeply nourishes and strengthens hair leaving it strong and super silky.

All available at Ulta and major drugstores.

So go ahead, you’re worth it!

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A Tan For All Seasons

If you live in Minnesota then you are no doubt enjoying the forecast. A weekend in the high 60′s and no end in sight is fabulous, but my pale skin not so much. It is, at the very least, short sleeve weather (and I know people have pulled out their shorts) and we here in the midwest are flaunting some serious “Casper” skin. There was a time when I would have gone running to the tanning salon, but those days are long behind me. Self-tanner is really the only way to go and it can be a smelly challenge. Tanners are tricky because the smell can change with every hour and no one wants to stink. And everyone’s body chemistry is different so it’s hard to recommend a certain brand. However, I think I have found one that should be suitable for just about every girl out there.
St. Tropez Tanning Essentials Self Tan Bronzing Lotion is one of my favorites. First and foremost, it features the trademarked “Aromaguard” technology which eliminates the tell-tale self-tan aroma by a minimum of 70%. I don’t know about you, but that pretty much clinches it for me. The smell is actually pleasant (again, on me. Everyone is different). This tanner is a salon inspired formula that is infused with aloe vera and long lasting color. It goes on smooth and spreads very evenly. The color is a rich, natural bronze that lasts several days, depending on how often you apply. I was very happy with the results and it did not streak on me at all. Plus, it was chosen as an Allure Magazine Best of Beauty.

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St. Tropez Tanning Essentials Self Tan Bronzing Lotion $30-$40

And because we all, at times, make mistakes when applying self-tanner, St. Tropez has another amazing product. Their Tan Remover helps remove unwanted self-tanning product (especially fingers and palms) for up to 4 hours after application.

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St. Tropez Tanning Essentials Tan Remover $18

Both products available exclusively at Sephora

If any of you have suggestions for other great self-tanners, please share them. I know this is something everyone is always curious about. A good self-tanner is hard to find!

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Lose Weight With Brewed Cocoa

If you haven’t heard of Crio Bru, after today you will definitely want to check it out. This is a cocoa you actually brew in a coffee pot or french press. These are 100% perfectly roasted beans that are milled to perfection to produce the world’s most flavorful cocoa grounds. And did you know Dr. Oz has identified brewed cocoa as one of four ways to burn fat faster? It’s true and here’s why.
This cocoa contains no sugar, chemicals, gluten, or dairy. It also has 150% more antioxidants than pure pomegranate juice. It’s an appetite suppressant that has a natural stimulant (no caffeine), theobromine, that boosts metabolism. You’ll feel focused and energized naturally. As a fat blocker it helps get rid of fat by blocking an enzyme you need to digest fat, so you never absorb it into your body.
I have only had this cocoa for a week, but here’s what I can tell you. First, it’s super easy to brew. I even mix it in with my coffee grounds in the morning. They say it’s best to use a gold filter, but I use paper and it’s fine. Second, the taste is a little strong for me. It’s a dark chocolate, which I’ve never been a fan of. If I have just the cocoa, I use a dash of Silk French Vanilla creamer (only 10 calories). I can’t speak to blocking fat just yet, but it does suppress my appetite. It’s available in three flavors and I chose the Cavalla. This has hints of coconut and cinnamon. It does give me energy, but too much makes me a little queasy (I feel this way if I have too much coffee as well). The one major downside is that it’s only available on-line, but there are many websites that offer it.

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The grounds. When my husband came home one day he thought I was baking brownies. Sorry, just brewing some cocoa!

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Crio Bru Cavalla $11.97 (I bought mine at Amazon)

For more information, or to order, please visit Crio Bru

We’ll have to wait and see if it aids in weight loss, but in the meantime, it’s a delicious beverage and it’s good for me. I think I’ll be ordering more. And who doesn’t like hot cocoa, especially on a snowy day like today.

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