Busy Mommy Media » Beauty

Sunscreen is a MUST

Pamela — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 16:41:04 +0000

The sun is shining, the days are hot and if you aren’t careful your skin is burning! Sunscreen and/or Sunblock application is a very important daily ritual, all year-round, but especially in the summertime! But how do you know which to choose, how often to use it and what is really the point. Here are some basics.

SunBLOCK versus SunSCREEN

It really comes down to a simple variation. Both work to prevent over-exposure to the sun’s rays, they just each use different means. Sunblock, as you guess, actually blocks, or reflects the UV rays from your skin, preventing exposure to the harmful rays. Sunscreen absorbs the UV rays so that they don’t reach your skin. Since both, “actively” work to reduce exposure to the sun, you need to follow the bottle’s directions regarding how often to reapply. Essentially as the cream does it’s job it get’s “used up” so reapplication is imperative to insure continued coverage.
As for which to choose, it really is a preference than anything else. You just want to be sure that you and your whole family put on sunscreen everyday, even if you won’t be sitting in the sun all day, if you are going outside you need to put it on, especially in summertime.

What is the Point?

It seems you can’t read a single magazine or what any of those health-related television shows without someone urging sunscreen use. Shoot, I am doing it right now. Well there are two very important reasons: Skin Cancer Prevention and Anti-aging.
According to the American Cancer Society, Skin Cancer is the number one most common form of cancer found in Americans. Fortunately it is also one of the easiest forms of cancer to prevent as well as catch early. Skin cancer is caused by over-exposure to UV rays (the rays from the sun). So it goes to reason, that adequate Sunscreen/block usage will do lots to prevent skin cancer formation. For more information on how to prevent, as well as what signs to look for please visit the American Cancer Society’s Website at www.cancer.org
As for the skin aging ramifications, it has been proven that at least 80% of the visual signs of aging on the skin is caused by UV exposure on the skin. Basically, collagen cannot withstand the effects of the sun. Collagen is what keeps our skin “perky” and smooth. Once collagen is damaged, there is much debate about whether is can be repaired. But most the of research leans towards the notion that it cannot be repaired, it is better to provide protection the try to fix the damage after. What this all boils down to is the fact that extended sun exposure results in lots of wrinkles!

As an aside, sunglasses are also very important. You want to find a pair that really block out the sun, as UV rays have adverse affects on your eyes as well. The brightness alone can have long-term negative effects on your eyes’ ability to focus.

Mom-To-Be Skincare

Marie — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 22:12:15 +0000

As a mom-to-be and avid skincare junkie, I was completely shocked about the safety concerns regarding beauty product ingredients and their effects on pregnancy. In fact, there is a laundry list of substances that should be avoided during this time. Whether its retinol or salicylic acid - it seems the shelves are filled with products that moms-to-be should steer clear of.

The good news is there are now skin care products available that are not only natural and organic, but completely safe to use during your nine month journey. From serums to scrubs, expectant mothers can now take care of their skin without harming their growing baby.

Here are a few great skin care products that are mom-to-be approved and will help you achieve the ultimate “pregnancy glow!”

Beauté de Maman was developed by Dr. Michele Brown, an obstetrician and board-certified member of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Specifically, the Facial Scrub is designed to help you battle blemished skin which is typical in early pregnancy – or throughout your entire pregnancy for some of us! Beauté de Maman’s pregnancy products have been extensively studied and evaluated, as well as allergy and obstetrician tested. The entire line contains only natural and herbal ingredients proven safe for the mother-to-be, the fetus and the breast feeding baby.

Don’t be surprised to learn that your current moisturizer is packed with no-no ingredients. For an everyday moisturizer, Avalon Organics Lavender Daily Moisturizer has been a“must” for my sensitive skin. It’s a lightweight moisturizer that not only smells divine, but works great under your daily make-up. It features organic Lavender, Licorice Root, White Tea and Grape Seed Polyphenols.

Tea Tree Oil is another ingredient that is great to use for troubled skin. Granted, the smell can be overwhelming for some, but tea tree oil is completely natural and helps to battle any pesky acne that might pop up. I’ve had a lot of success with the Desert Essence Organics line including the Blemish Touch Stick.

Another fabulous line to check out is Terralina. The company’s founders created this line after their own pregnancies. Like me, they were shocked to learn that most of the skincare products they were using featured a number of harmful ingredients. Start with the 3-Step Skincare System which includes a cleanser, toner and moisturizer. The site also has a very helpful ingredient glossary which describes in great detail what every ingredient is and what it’s used for.

Even if you aren’t expecting, it can’t hurt to take a closer look at the products that you are currently using. After nine months of reading about the chemicals that I’ve been putting on my face for years, I’ve definitely been looking at skincare in a totally different light. Of course, if you have questions regarding specific ingredients/products, please consult your doctor.

Top Ten Beauty Products from Head to Toe for Spring/Summer 2010

Kimberly — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 07:01:57 +0000

With Spring all ready here and Summer rapidly approaching its time to get our beauty butts in gear! As the seasons change so do our beauty regimens. Your hair, skin and make-up react differently as the weather heats up so now is the time to change your beauty routine from head to toe. Below is a list of my top ten beauty products that will keep you beautiful all summer long.

The added sun exposure, wind, saltwater and chlorine can wreak havoc on your hair. You need something that will protect your hair and shield it from becoming brittle, unmanageable and discolored during the spring and summer months. Phyto Phytoplage Protective Sun Veil is made with sunflower extract, white lotus flower extract, sweet almond and illipe butter. These ingredients work together to provide a protective filter for the hair fibers, maintain moisture, restore volume, shine and suppleness.

As the weather warms up many of us kick our usual foundation to the curb and go for a light weight tinted moisturizer instead. Stila Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 is the perfect solution. It is a moisturizer, sunscreen and luminizer all in one! The formula blends perfectly and the subtle shimmer and pigments work well to even the skin’s tone. Easy to apply, and a great way to achieve a quick overall look in one simple step.

For those that really can’t live without going the foundation route I highly recommend using B are Escentuals I.d. Bare Minerals Get Started Kit. The kit contains two shades of bareMinerals SPF 15 Foundation, Mineral Veil, Warmth All Over Face Color, Full Flawless Face Brush, Flawless Application Face Brush, Maximum Coverage Concealer Brush and a How To DVD. I have been using this kit for years and it really conceals all of my facial flaws while adding depth and dimension to my face. I can’t live without Warmth or the Mineral veil. In my opinion the only thing missing from the kit that gives an all over radiant glow is Bare Escentuals bareMinerals Radiance Clear Radiance I love the way that it brightens my face and gives it a soft glow. I am continually told that I have great skin when I know that the secret isn’t great skin but great mineral make-up.

Spring and Summer eyes are all about the shimmer! Urban Decay Metallic Glitter Eyeshadow Intense Shadow is just the thing to do the trick! Urban Decay’s eye shadows are rich in pigment and loaded with color. There are very few binders so it blends easily and lasts for hours. They can also be applied wet for a more intense color. The trend this season is to apply a bright color underneath the lower lashes for a punch of color that is different from the upper lid. Urban Decay shadows can be applied wet with a fine tipped brush just like liquid eye liner for this dramatic look.

Lip gloss is a staple of summer and one of my all time favorites is Lancome Juicy Tubes Ultra Shiny Lip Gloss Lip Glosses. There are tons of flavors and colors to choose from and they are all pretty yummy! My favorite is Dreamsicle. The application is smooth and simple with the tube tip applicator – no messy wands, easily applied on the go. This ultra shiny gloss glides on for the most perfect pout.

The perfect manicure is a must have! I absolutely adore the OPI Hong Kong Spring/Summer 2010 Tiny Takeouts Mini Nail Lacquers. This great sample set is features the hot and modern colors for the Spring and Summer seasons. This tiny little four pack of nail polish mini’s feature three colors and a top coat. The colors in the set include: Red My Fortune Cookie, Dim Sum Plum, Suzi Says Feng Shui and the RapiDry Top Coat. All perfectly packaged in a cute little faux take out box!

One thing is certain, as the temperature rises we tend to drop our clothes. You know what that means – bathing suit time is a comin’! Getting prepared to show off your goods has just gotten easier. The Bliss-Philips Bikini Perfect Deluxe HP6378 Spa-At-Home Grooming System is exactly what you need to get your bikini area ready for show time. This deluxe set features convenient cordless wet and dry operation that offers super precision and less irritation. The set includes six different attachments and blissful spa salves so that grooming is a breeze and your body stays soft, smooth and soothed. The ultimate combination of function and glam all in one!

If you are at all like me, your legs haven’t seen the light of day since last summer. To keep from blinding anyone with the whiteness of my legs I like to use Bare Escentuals Faux Tan to make it appear that my legs have a gorgeous summer glow. The light coconut scent is great smelling and not overpowering at all. Simply apply it dry skin and you will be amazed at how smooth it feels, leaving no spots or streaks, this is the best self tanner that I have ever seen.

Flip flop and sandal weather mean showing off your perfect little piggies. It can be very embarrassing if your feet are rough and dry. To get your toes in tip top shape use the Tweezerman Pedicure Solution Kit for the perfect pedicure. This upscale kit includes a clipper, cuticle nipper, stainless steel pushy/cleaner, callus stone, pedicure files and a wooden pedicure stick all rolled up in an attractive embroidered storage case. Great for home or on the go.

Once you have spent the time clipping, trimming and filing you will want to maintain those smooth and soft sexy feet with some Philosop hy Soul Owner Exfoliating Foot Cream. This overnight foot treatment provides immediate results for dry and cracked skin. The cooling formula also relieves tired, puffy feet. Using this exfoliating foot cream on a regular basis will ensure that your feet remain supple and sexy through out the summer.

My top ten head to toe beauty products for Spring and Summer are sure to get your hot bod ready for all that hot weather fun. I know that these products will help you feel confident, glamorous and sexy inside and out. Honestly, what could be more fun than that?

Learn Top Techniques for Straightening Your Hair

Kimberly — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 02:33:48 +0000

I think that the one thing that most women have in common is that they wish they had different hair. Girls with straight hair want curls, girls with curls want stick straight hair, thick versus thin, wavy or frizzy – we all want what we can’t seem to naturally produce. I fall into the way too thin, frizzy, curly hair category. Believe me, without any type of hair products or appliances, I look like the bride of Frankenstein. Not such hot look. Which is why ever since I learned what a flat iron could do for a girl like me, I was sold.

I prefer the flat ironed look for myself, and I have been flat ironing my hair for the last ten years. One of my best friends is a professional hair stylist and she has taught me how to get a great look when flat ironing my own hair. Obviously the best look is when someone else can flat iron it for you, but how many of us realistically have someone to do that for us on a regular basis?

Essential Hair Styling Tools

Before you can even begin to straighten your hair it is imperative that you have the essential tools needed to do the job. There is a reason that your hair looks fantastic when you come out of the salon, your hair stylist uses the best tools to get your hair to do what, for you, seems the impossible. Just as in any profession, whether you are a carpenter, a plumber or a doctor, a real professional requires professional tools to get the job done right.

Buy a professional hair dryer. I reccommend having a hair dryer that has a minimum of 1800-2000 watts, if you have really thick hair – the higher the wattage the better. Also, it is important to have a cool shot button for oxidizing the hair with cold right after the heat to set the style. I prefer the ceramic hair dryers because ceramic generates far infrared heat which will gently dry the hair from the inside out, in addition to creating smooth, silky hair and eliminating frizz. They have really come down in price over the years and are very affordable. I found this Babyliss Pro BAB2000 at Amazon for only $33.47 that would work wonderfully without breaking the bank.
Select a professional grade flat iron. Ideally one that gets up to 450 degrees, solid 100% ceramic plates and heaters, curved plates which will allow you to straighten, curl or flip hair. A plate size of 1″ works great for most but if you have really long and/or thick hair 1.5″ would work better. I currently use the Hana Elite 1″ Flat Iron.
I like to finish off my style with a flexible hold hairspray. My absolute favorite is Sebastian Shaper Zero Gravity hairspray. It is more expensive than most but I have found that because it is a large can and it works so well with minimal sprays that it outlasts a cheaper can of store brand knock off hairspray. I usually only have to replace my hairspray 1-2 times per year.

Tips for Creating a Sleek and Sexy Straight Hair Style

1. Once hair is dry, quickly run the flat iron through all of your hair. When finished separate your hair into three main sections, if you have really thick hair you may need more sections. The sections are separated from the top sections of hair on your head, to the middle and then the bottom. The top two are kept in place with an alligator prong clip.

2. Flat iron the bottom section first. Use a fine tooth comb and carefully follow the comb strokes with the flat iron. This helps keep the hair separated and untangled during the straightening process.

3. Immediately after flat ironing the section, use the cool shot button on your hair dryer and blow out the bottom section. This process helps set the style.

4. Repeat steps 3 and 4 with the remaining sections.

6. When you have finished with all of the sections do any final touch ups with the flat iron and give it one final blow with the cold air.

7. At this point add flexible hold hairspray to keep your bangs or any flyaway hairs set in place, as well as any baby hairs that surround your face.

8. This step is optional but I find that it works really well if you live in a colder climate. When you are completely done styling your hair, step outside and let your head cool off. Shake out your hair and lift it up around the roots. This is the same principle as the cold shot with the dryer but can be more effective because no matter what dryer you use its just not as cold as the outside air is.

If you follow these simple tips I can guarantee that you will have sleek, sexy hair!

Friday Fitness: Firmer Face with out the Knife (or Needle)

Pamela — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 23:29:50 +0000

When you look in the mirror do you first notice the sagging or fatty areas? If so, there are some exercises that you can do tighten up your face without going under the knife or needle. Your face has 55 muscles – can you believe that? And just like any other muscles, they are subject to effects of gravity and none-use over time.

One important thing to point out is that, unlike the muscles in the rest of your body, your face muscles are attached directly to the skin. This is directly links the tone of your facial muscles and the sagging ness of your face. This also means that the way you exercise these muscles will be slightly different. Obviously this will not involve weight lifting. Really it is more about making faces. One of the best parts of working out your face is that you can do the exercises just about anywhere. Just be away that you might be making some interesting faces, so don’t frighten anyone (*smile*) or embarrass yourself.

A few exercises to try:

Do 50 repetitions of each (on each side if applicable) throughout the day.

Exaggerated Wink – this is a wink that involves most of the side of your face (cheek, jowl, and part of your forehead)
Open Wide – open your mouth and eyes as wide as possible
Looking Up – look up with eyes while keeping your head level
Looking up and Over – move you whole head to look up and to the side while keeping your shoulders straight
Scalp lift – place a hand on either side of your head just above your ears and gently pull up and back
Jaw Clench – simply clench your jaw and release

If you struggle more with fat around your face, know that cardio is one of the best ways to reduce it. An all over cardio workout (running, bike riding, elliptical, or aerobics) is a great way to reduce fat all over your body. And you will start to see your chin shrink as your overall body fat percentage decreases. Another quick tip is to lower your salt intake. Excess salt in the body causes your cells to retain more water and cause a general puffiness, that make your face seem to have a larger amount of fat.

What about all the creams?

There are literally hundreds of “face-lifting” creams and gels and rubs and treatments on the market. To overly simplify it, they all basically work with the chemistry of your skin and adjusting the tightness, and elasticity. For the most part they are all temporary fixes. As I mentioned before your skin is directly attached to your muscles. So really all those creams do is make that connection firmer. If your muscles are what it causing the sagging, the creams can only do so much!

Are you Getting Enough??

Pamela — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 18:25:58 +0000

A healthy sexual relationship with your husband (or other committed partner) is about more than just keeping him happy. In general, most men are more interested in sex than most women. But you can find a compromise. Because, sex can do a lot more for you than you might think.

Relationship Builder

Being intimate with your husband/partner is a big part of what makes your relationship different from any other relationship you might have. It is something that you share only with each other. It is a physical display of your true heart’s feelings for him. Don’t get this twisted with the idea that sex=love and you HAVE to have sex everyday so your husband will know that you love him. Think of it as another outlet to express yourself. Sex is also important for your emotional stability. You will undoubtedly have pent up frustration and stress on any given day. An energetic romp in the sack can be very freeing and lead to a better night’s sleep or a general feeling of relaxation. Being in a good place, psychologically speaking, will do wonders for your relationship.

We don’t have time

You might be thinking to yourself right now, “That’s all well and good, but when are we supposed to find the time???” You have to be creative. Just keep in mind – where there’s a will, there’s a way! Set an alarm for 2 am and awaken each other with a sensual touch. If your children are in school, make an appointment to “play doctor” together. If you have babies, put them in the cradle, in the same room even, and go at it. Trust me they will have no idea what is going on and there is no real evidence (real scientific studies have been done) out there that it will have any lasting effect on them. But if it is too distracting or disturbing put the cradle in the next room. If things are really becoming dyer – get a sitter and get a hotel room. You can even have a quickie in the shower. You may not always find time for any extensive fore-play or overly romantic setting but you can have fun trying!

I am just not in the MOOD!

If it’s getting in the mood that is more your problem, here are some tips:

• If it’s because you are over tired, take a nap!!

• If you don’t feel sexy because you still haven’t lost those 20+ pounds since having the baby, remind yourself, “If it doesn’t bother him, it shouldn’t bother you”

• If you want your own space and are tired of someone always climbing on you or carrying around a baby all day, take a breather, maybe a bath by yourself. Then you will be ready and willing to tackle him before you even towel off!

• If you are uncertain of your performance abilities, ask about it. Find out what he likes and doesn’t like, what works for him and what works for you might be different. And it is okay to sometimes take care of you first. You can also ask your close girlfriends for some pointers.

• Have an always open line of communication when it comes to your sex life – or lack there of.

• Try something new. Don’t travel too far outside your comfort zone, or do anything you are categorically against but give some different positions or activities a shot. Doing, essentially the same task over and over for 20 plus years can either become very mechanical or just plain boring. Spice it up!

• If you are just lacking any sort of sex drive, talk to your OB/GYN. You may be experiencing severe hormone fluctuations that can be easily remedied.

It doesn’t matter how you go about it or what amount of planning has to go into it just please, please, please make the effort. Don’t become one of those grouchy people that people whisper “She needs to get laid!” around. You can be an “everyday and twice on Sunday” or a “once a week” couple. The bottom-line – make time to get some!!

What’s your RealAge?

What’s the Skinny on Skin Cancer?

Pamela — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 03:46:11 +0000

You got up this morning and as you pulled up your britches you felt something strange on the back of you thigh. Or you suddenly have a nagging itch on your arm, near a mole that you are pretty sure had always been there. Or you notice that a spot on your chest seems to be bigger then you recall. In any one of these cases, a call to the doctor is always warranted. When it comes to the possibility of skin cancer or MELANOMA, you always want to be over safe then very sorry. Did you know that Skin Cancer is the single most common form of cancer?

Early Detection is Critical

A majority of skin cancers are non-Melanomas, which means that they are only in the outer layer of skin. Although, it is best to have it removed, it is very unlikely that it will spread past the epidermis layer of the skin. Melanomas are another story all together. It is a cancerous overtaking of the melanocytes (cells the give us our pigment) in the very deep layers of skin. The most important tool to prevent the systemic invasion of skin cancer is to get treated early on. Melanomas (or black skin tumors) are relatively slow growing, therefore they can often be cured by simple resection (scoping out of the skin) surgery.

What to Look For

Just about every one has a few moles on their bodies. Not all moles are cancerous. So how do you tell the difference:
• Any seemingly sudden change in appearance of a mole – color, size (both height and width), or first notice
• Asymmetry of mole – most moles are generally round and symmetrical.
• Itchiness, tenderness and even pain of the mole
• Cracking, bleeding or pus oozing around edges
• If the color of the mole spread past the raised edge

Ways to Prevent

Although some people are just more prone to skin cancer then others (fair complexions, heredity and severe sunburns as a child). But there are other ways to limit your susceptibility:
• Seek shade whenever possible
• Slather on the Sunscreen – always at least 15 SPF – even on overcast days
• Wear a hat and sunglasses
• Stay away from tanning beds and light – they actually intensify the harmful rays
• Do a monthly once over on your skin.

All in all cancer is a very scary topic to discuss. In fact a upsetting and large number of people do not get signs or symptoms examined for fear of hearing the “C-word”. But we are blessed to live in a time where many forms of cancer can be treated and even cured. But no matter the type – early detection is key to minimal growth. Now please do not turn into a hypochondriac after reading this. I am more urging you to be aware of your body on every level. This makes it easier to notice any changes in the norm. So the next time you are in the shower, give yourself the once over. Learn the topography so that you will notice if a new mountain sprouts up.

For more information on Skin Cancers (or any other cancers) please visit: www.cancer.org And if you are so inclined –please make a donation to help them continue to support the medical research efforts as well as their service and supports efforts for those affected by cancer. Did you know that the American Cancer Society is funded almost entirely by donations (both individual and corporate). They receive no money directly from the government to provide the incredible services they give freely to the general public.

Eleven Shoes for the Holidays (Closed)

Rachel — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 23:40:44 +0000

Congratulations to Kristi C, the winner of the Eleven Shoes giveaway!

Eleven shoes are well loved by parents for their durability and functional styling. Eleven’s Fall/Winter 2009 collection brings back a few classic favorites that are perfect for holiday photos or parties. My kids have several pairs of Eleven shoes and they always get compliments on them whenever they wear them. The classic styling is timeless and makes Eleven shoes perfect for dressing up or dressing down during the holiday season.

Velcro Closures

The convenient Velcro closures on all Eleven shoes has always been one of my favorite features. Any parent who has ever wrestled with tight fitting children’s shoes or retied shoe laces 100 times will love the wide opening on Eleven shoes and the stylish Velcro closure that makes them so fast to put on. When you are already wrestling with kids, you definitely don’t need to be messing with difficult shoes.

Finn Shoes by Eleven

My 6 year old had the opportunity to try a pair of Finn shoes from Eleven. He is typically not a fan of solid color shoes, especially ones that don’t have any red at all on them, but even he was won over by the simple style of the Finn shoes. My son has worn his Finn shoes to dress up jeans and a t-shirt and with dress pants and a button up shirt and they add a wonderful touch to both looks.

These shoes are wonderful for holiday travel because they really can play double duty as dress shoes and casual shoes. The comfortable fit and durable suede makes this pair a favorite for kids and parents alike.

Great Kids Shoes for the Holidays

As the mother of all boys, I drool over pink things from time to time. Eleven has some fantastic shoe choices for little girls for the holiday season. The red accented chocolate suede Mary Jane Katinas would be a beautiful addition to nearly any holiday dress and the simple slip on styling gives you one less thing to worry about during the busy holiday season. If you want a dressy look that goes with just about anything, the Sylvie style with silver accent flowers would be perfect. Eleven shoes have no break in period so kids don’t have to suffer through holiday gatherings or events in stiff new shoes.

Holiday Deals from Eleven

Eleven has some fantastic deals going on right now, just in time for the holiday season. Most of their shoes are on sale for $40.00, which is a great deal when you consider how well these shoes stand up to kid abuse.

Enter to Win

Win your choice of Eleven Shoes (that are available in stock) This giveaway is open to the U.S. and will end on December 11, 2009.

Enter the giveaway by commenting on this post about your favorite style of Eleven Shoes.

Please see our site’s Terms and Conditions for a complete list of our contest and giveaway rules.

In compliance with the new FTC Guild lines, please note that this is a sponsored post. I was given a pair of Eleven shoes to test and review free of charge. However, I was not paid for the review and the opinions are my own.

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Shear Miracles By Robyn (Giveaway!)

Julia — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 17:24:19 +0000

Shear Miracles by Robyn is a great line of beauty products that takes a holistic approach to beauty. All products are preservative free, GMO free, organic, and so pure you could eat them. Treat your skin to beauty products that are pure and promote healing from the inside out.

Organic Shampoo and Conditioner

I started using the Wild Child Organic Shampoo and Conditioner by Shear Miracles by Robyn. I had a baby 4 moths ago and started to lose my luscious pregnancy locks until I started using this product. This product helps to volumize your hair and leave it clean, fresh and silky naturally! I love the way it makes my hair smell, like a perfect spring morning! I use it on my three year old and my husband loves it too!

Organic Baby Wash

It is worth every penny to give my little ones the purest and most wholesome products out there. I love organic and wholesome shampoos and conditioners, especially for my baby! I recently tried the Wholesome Beginnings Organic Baby Shampoo and Body Wash by Shear Miracles by Robyn and I love it and so do my two boys. I love that I can be rest assured that it is made with the purest organic ingredients. I love the way it smells, leaving your baby smelling just yummy enough to eat! Infused with the gentlest herbs of lavender, chamomile & rose with a hint of peppermint, this amazing product gently cleanses and powerfully soothes your baby’s entire mood. Plus it is gentle on eyes! Traditionally, “tear-free” simply means that there is a chemical that acts like a numbing agent present. It softly cleanses my babies body without drying his precious skin and leaving him soft and moisturized. You gotta try it.

Enter to Win

Win some Wild Child Organic Shampoo and Conditioner and Wholesome Beginnings Organic Baby Shampoo and Body Wash to try for yourself. This giveaway is open to the U.S. and will end on October 14, 2009.

Enter the giveaway by commenting on this post. Be sure to leave an email address so we can contact you if you win. If we cannot contact you, another winner will be chosen.

Please see our site’s Terms and Conditions for a complete list of our contest and giveaway rules.

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Product Review: Striking Skin Care with SmartPeptides

Rachel — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:30:22 +0000

Okay, I admit it. It’s my skin care. I’m smack in the middle of my forties and mother of five ranging in age from 13 to 1, so most days, I definitely feel my age. But because I’ve been blessed with really good genes, most days I don’t look my age. So let’s cut to the chase, what makes my skin look younger than its chronological age? I swear it’s my skin care. I’ve been working in the skin care industry for what seems like forever (20 years) and I’ve used hundreds of different products on my face, but the product line I’ve seen the best results with lately is Striking.

Striking Skin Care with SmartPeptides is marketed towards menopausal women, and while I’m not even perimenopausal yet I have noticed this year that I’m starting to get a little “jowly” (as my mother calls it) and that my crow’s feet are getting very prominent. Menopause brings about even more lovely changes like decreased collagen production and the breakdown of elastin fibers, so essentially, your face falls into your lap. Lovely. I’m all about preventative care, so I started out using Striking Multi-Peptide Serum. Within 2 weeks, I had an “aha!” moment in the mirror. The serum was just what I needed to perk up my tired looking skin. It supplied my skin with a lot of moisture and a big boost of collagen-building SmartPeptides.

A few weeks later I started using the rest of the line and continued to get good results. The cleanser is a creamy cleanser much along the lines of philosophy’s Purity. It’s very lightweight, yet effective in taking off the 10 pounds of makeup that I wear every day. The moisturizer and eye creme are equally as lovely and provide yet a second hit of much needed moisture and SmartPeptides to the skin.

The line is simple, just four products: cleanser, serum, moisturizer and eye creme. I’ve used lines with multiple products and I have to say that I like the simplicity of this line. The only product that I would suggest that you add to the regime is a sunscreen (if it’s not already in your foundation). An easy way to get started on the regime is try the Striking Daily Essentials Product Set. You get travel sizes of all four products for $50. If I had to pick one product, I would pick definitely choose the Multi-Peptide Serum. That’s the “work horse” and an easy product to slip into any regime you’re using right now.

The result? Fabulous. I’m in love and here’s why: I was at a CAbi party the other day with women all around my age and when I told them I was going to be 44 in a couple months, their jaws dropped. They told me my skin looked fabulous (an ego boost I needed, for sure!) and that’s all I needed to know that it’s indeed working.

Striking Skin Care can be found at www.strikingskincare.com. They’ve got a great webstore; visually beautiful, easy to navigate and packed with information. They are also on Blogger, facebook, Twitter and YouTube effectively covering all the social media bases and they have a monthly newsletter. Don’t get turned off by the marketing to the 40+ crowd. Remember, all skin types, regardless of age can benefit from the SmartPeptides. Preventative care is a good thing!!