October 7, 2010

Softsoap Nutri Serum Body Nourishing Wash

Getting Your Skin Ready for Winter

Softsoap Nutri Serum Body Nourishing Wash

I love when the air starts to turn a little crisp! And when the leaves change color! Basically I love most everything about the fall………except for trying to figure out the best way to protect and maintain my skin so it won’t completely dry out when the harshness of winter arrives!  And while I have always moisturized, it is a constant battle to keep my skin hydrated and protected.

Sera’s have long been used in facial products.  They are normally a highly concentrated fluid, rich in vitamins and minerals. They hydrate and protect the skin keeping it soft, and healthy looking.  Thankfully now that sera is now available in a body wash.

Softsoap, the Colgate-Palmolive Company brand line that has been bringing us a wide variety of liquid hand soaps and body washes for many years, is now bringing us new Nutri-Serum Body Wash which is nutrient rich, soap-free and dermatologist tested.  New Nutri-Serums is the first body wash to be infused with nutrient rich, softening serum pearls and mineral extracts.  Softsoap’s Nutri Serums  contain Vitamin E and omegas 5 & 6, which are used to hydrate and protect the skin.   

Why use a body wash?? Body washes have a lower PH than bar soap and is gentler to the skin.  A body wash will not dry out the skin as much as bar soap. In addition, body washes have also been shown to retain 30% more moisture versus bar soap. Softsoap’s Nutri-Serum Body Wash is a luxuriously scented formula which delivers a concentrated dose of essential nutrients and hydrators, with no soap to dry your skin.  It rinses off clean, leaving your skin exceptionally soft and protected……….a perfect way to keep skin soft, nourished and healthy looking all year long!

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September 29, 2010

Keeping that warm summer glow….

Keeping that Warm Summer Glow….

B. Bronz

 

Let me just say that I wish I had discovered B. Bronz last spring…..but now that I have found them, I am going to be keeping that subtle tan all year long! Now I am not one for tanning…………blonde, blue eyed and VERY fair…..I normally get described as the pale one……and there are times I make Casper the friendly Ghost look tan! My mother developed skin cancer in the 1980’s and it was then I ever gave up trying to get a tan.  I have tried self tanners, but they always end up looking streaky and (gulp) even worse, make me look orange.  Tanning booths definitely not my style, and would never use one after the World Health Report on them.  I’ve been tempted to try the airbrush tanner, but even when I’ve been at the hair and beauty shows, I’ve seen people orange and looking like “The Jersey Shore” cast.  So, I’ve told myself that I had to accept that all those cute shorts and short skirts would never work because my legs would blind someone! Well, pale no more!

Not a dark tan, and better yet, not an orangey tan, just a subtle flawless natural looking tan.  Kind of like I had spent the summer in Maui! And man, does it ever make the blue eyes pop! And who is to thank for helping me overcome letting some skin show?? Kelly Richardson of B. Bronz.  (www.bebronze.com). Of course it doesn’t hurt that Kelly was added to the list of InStyle Magazine’s 2009 “Beauty Blitz” list of tanning “Pros” .  Her products are also used by the most commanding individuals including: The San Francisco 49er Gold Rush Cheerleaders; Contestants competing for the titles of Miss California and Miss Oregon; and all of the competitors in the International Natural Bodybuilding Association and the Natural Olympia. A demanding bunch indeed, as they depend on their looks for their livelihood.

Kelly, who has worked in the tanning industry for almost a decade, created B. Bronz when she became tired of searching for products and solutions that fit all of her clients needs.  She researched and revised and has finally made her results available to the tanning world.  Most importantly, these products are used by individuals throughout the world who desire a natural looking flawless tan to enhance their daily lives.  The entire line is paraben free and uses essential oils of coconut for a fresh fragrance.  There are also body care products in the line designed to enhance and lengthen the life of the tan including exfoliating scrubs, body wash and moisturizing lotions. 

The entire process took about 2 minutes.  And I was dry in almost the same amount of time; it was done in a mobile tent with no mess.  The minimum development time is 6 hours, and the tan will last 5-7 days.  Maximum time is 12 hours and the tan should last 7-10 days.  Of course moisturizing twice daily will help prolong the tan as well.

Realizing an industry need for proper training, Kelly founded the Airbrush Tanning Training Center and began teaching classes throughout the US and Canada.  Her training classes have been featured on ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox and its affiliates.  She is also a feature writer in industry magazines including Les Nouvelles and Dermascope.

I would highly recommend those spas and salons that are looking at getting into the tanning world give Kelly a shout.  The equipment costs are minimal, and there is no loss of product.  Well worth checking into getting a larger client base! 

And for those of us New Yorkers, we can call on Vanessa at La Viva Glam Mobile Tan, http://www.lavivaglammobiletan.com/ .  Nothing beats having a tan done in the privacy of your choice!

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September 26, 2010

Systeme 41

Systeme 41-The Next Stage in Skin Science

When was the last time you felt confident enough to leave the house without any makeup? Or you felt good enough about the look and feel of your skin that you didn’t feel the need to wear any makeup at all? Tough question……….even if you are blessed with good skin, getting older, harsh effects of the environment and sun, drying effects of cosmetics all take their toll….

When you are young, the layers of your skin are full of moisture and have a natural elasticity.  When the outer layers of our skin age and dry, they are replaced by new cells from the underlying skin layer.  That’s what makes your skin stay firm, fresh and glowing.  In order for your skin to retain a youthful appearance, it is critical that the correct nutrients penetrate the top layer of skin and reach the deeper, renewing layers of skin.    Healthy skin however, is hard to penetrate. It has to be.  It protects us from free radicals, everyday pollution and stress.

The lipid layer in skin also acts as a shield against irritants.  This layer also provides an effective barrier to the ingredients in most creams and lotions.   Most commercially manufactured skin care products also contain surfactants, which strip the protective layer off so that the ingredients in the product formula can penetrate the new skin layer.  However, this leaves the young, delicate skin cells underneath vulnerable to the elements that damage and age your skin.

Systeme 41 (http://www.systeme41.com/Home.htm) is a 100% natural ingredient skin care system that delivers dramatic age-defying results.  Systeme 41 contains over 20 of the most advanced skin science nutrients available today.  It works to defeat lines, wrinkles and other visible signs of aging down to the deepest levels of your skin.  Finally, you can look as young on the outside as you feel on the inside!

The Systeme 41 Skin Care Essentials kit provides 5 superior treatments , Gentle Purifying Cleanser; Revitalizing Eye Treatment; Systeme 41 Nourishing Day Crème; Systeme 41 Restorative Night Treatment; and Systeme 41 Rejuvenating  Masque.  Each treatment is designed to give your skin the hydration, nutrition and protection it needs to keep it healthy and young looking for years to come.

And Systeme 41 is 100% guaranteed.  If you don’t notice a difference in the way your skin looks and feels, you can return the unused products, no time limit, no questions asked for a complete refund.

I can say from my experience, my skin felt smoother, more hydrated and has a natural glow to it.  Fine lines are disappearing and I have been told by many of my friends that my skin looks more luminous!   Going out without makeup is not a problem!  Growing older may be inevitable, but thanks to Systeme 41, looking older doesn’t have to be!

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September 23, 2010

From Across the sea

MSC Cruises.png

Hello there! I am sorry for my absence. I had booked a trans-Atlantic cruise about a year and a half ago on a relatively new cruise ship company, MSC (short for the Mediterranean Shipping Company).  We traveled from Kiel, Germany to New York City. They were offering a two-for-one price to the Australian market, and a friend in Australia thought that we had to make the journey! I have always wanted to do the Trans-Atlantic, as my ancestors had done coming over from Ireland, and with the special pricing, it was a no brainer to book!  And taking a cruise that was 95% Aussies guarantees it was a lot of fun!

MSC’s Poesia is a new ship, built in 2008, and is kept in immaculate condition.  I found the staff very friendly.  While I am certain that there is a huge difference between travel on the QE2 and on a two for one deal, I found that bang for your buck, it was an incredible trip.  They are also advertising many introduction trips and low fares, so if cruising cheap is a priority check them out at www.msccruises.com. I did have my hair done by David while on board.  I found the hair salon and spa to be top notch.  I must admit I was not a big fan of the buffets, however I would highly recommend doing the ala carte restaurants for meals. 

Of course while overseas, I did manage to check out some beauty and fashion! I was extremely lucky enough to find a fabulous outdoor flea market in Copenhagen that specialized in clothing.  At the time, my luggage had been misplaced by Lufthansa, so it gave me a much needed excuse to go clothing shopping.  Given the exchange rate, I was able to clean up……….even scoring a full length Mongolian lamb jacket for less than $ 40/US.  I am hoping to include Copenhagen in any trip that I may do to Europe just as an excuse to shop! It is a beautiful city.

And a trip to Europe would never be complete with a trip to the beauty counters……. And just going into a Boots drugstore is heaven!  Not only for the cosmetics, but also for the funky jewelry! I stocked up on the series 7 line, and especially the protect and perfect intense beauty serum which was voted the best wrinkle smoother for 2009.  The entire line is fabulous, and you can also get much of the line at Target stores here in the states.  Other great finds were Rapid Lash, a non prescription eyelash enhancing serum and Sanctuary’s Spa Facial In-A-Box, which contained all of the ingredients in a professional spa facial treatment to give you the full benefit and visible results at home.  The Sanctuary’s brightening facial gave you some relaxing moments while at sea.

It was a memorable trip! And it is wonderful to be home!

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September 17, 2010

Travel Glam

I am traveling but will be back and tell everyone all about it soon.  I’ll be very busy when I return…out and about in NYC and reporting for It’s a Glam Thing.

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August 25, 2010

Evian’s “Baby on the Inside”

August 24, 2010

Openhouse Gallery in NYC

Evian Water is continuing to roll forward on its “Live Young” Campaign.   They transformed The Openhouse Gallery in NYC into a photo shoot opportunity, and while there were no rollerblading babies present, Maria Sharapova came by to share her love of Evian’s campaign.

Passerbyers on the street were welcome to swing in and model for the Evian campaign, while wearing a baby on the inside shirt.  The energy was infectious!  The pictures taken from the public shoot were being shown on screen throughout the event.  The poses, the pictures, were indeed a testament to Evian’s “Live Young” philosophy.  “to Evian, youth is not a matter of age, but a mindset-a youthful mindset that is optimistic, believes everything is possible, and is curious and eager to discover the world-much like that of a child” said Jerome Goure VP of marketing for Danone Waters of America, the exclusive importer and marketer of Evian in North America.

And who better than to help celebrate Evian’s campaign than celebrated tennis superstar Maria Sharapova?  The 23 year old stunner when asked why she modeled for the event replied that “The idea of youth as a state of mind caught my attention.   I took great pleasure in reveling my ‘baby inside’….I am a true Evian drinker and I really like this campaign as well as the idea behind it so it felt natural to join in”

For more on Evian’s “Live Young” campaign follow it on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/evian-R/131415853561442 and for some fabulous photos of the event, including Maria’s incredible outfit (3.1 Phillip Lim sequined short-shorts, a white V-neck T-shirt, long black blazer and Cole Haan Swan crossbody bag and lace-up booties) check out my pal Shawn Punch’s Photography  on http://shawnpunch.photoshelter.com/gallery/Evian-Live-Young-With-Maria-Sharapova/G0000P0F8lS8ZWos

Note to Evian………….while I love the roller babies campaign, how about using some of our favorites from the senior set (yes, I can see Betty White and Abe Vigoda starring in it!).  As Mae West says, “You are never too old to become younger!”

http://itsaglamthing.com/2010/08/25/38/

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August 18, 2010

Two Must Haves for Your Travel Bag

Two Must Have’s for Your Travel Bag

 Dr. Young Aquaholic Sleeping Mask & AG Hair Cosmetics Dry Shampoo

 

Trains, planes and automobiles…………….I love to travel.  I could completely identify with George Clooney’s character in “Up in the Air”.  Once I clear security I am home! My most recent jaunt was a 30 + hour in transit journey back from Africa.  I could do that in my sleep.  Watch some movies, read, needlepoint, knit, listen to the IPOD……….easy journey!  The only thing I hate about travel is what it does to my skin and hair.  I am always on the lookout for easy, portable products that work well.   As luck would have it, I managed to find two great products to add to my travel bag!

Dr. Young, http://dr-young.asia/, is an Asian cosmetic line which originates from the diary of a college freshman who suffered from various skin problems.  She studied and searched for years with continuous effort to find the solution for her own skin troubles.  The brand was launched in 2008 as a result of a dream of a regular college student who joined forces with dermatological and skin experts with abundant clinical experience.  Dr Young was developed for the generation who has healthy beauty, both inner and outer beauty.   The brand uses no animal-orgin ingredients, mineral oils, and no sodium lauryl sulfate.  The ingredients are organic and botanical oils.

I love the entire line, but I am LOVING the aquaholic sleeping mask and am incorporating it into my carry-on bags.  My skin gets ultra dry in the pressurized plane air, and most of my remedies are normally too goo-ey and get all over the place.  Dr. Young’s Aquaholic Sleeping Mask comes in a small portable size, is easy to put on and take off, and best yet, is that it is not  noticeable when on. It is made from bamboo water and leaves the skin refreshed and hydrated.  It also contains vitamin complexes B3, B5, B6, C, and E which have antioxidant and brightening effects that recharges the skin while you sleep. It will be nice to use that sauna effect to actually help my skin!

I also hate the effect of travel on my hair! Even after a half hour shuttle, I want to wash my hair and get the oils and flatness out of it. When dry shampoos were impossible to find, I would use baby powder.  It was NOT easy to use.  It got over everything.  In addition, now- a- days traveling with a bag of white powder will get you stopped at every security check point.  It won’t be fun! Dry shampoos are becoming easier to find, but trying to get on that can pass through security restrictions, and one that actually smells nice did not exist.  My choice….AG Hair Cosmetics fast FWD dry shampoo.  http://www.aghaircosmetics.com/

AG Hair Cosmetics was founded over 20 years ago by John and Lotte Davis.  They started their company in their basement and sold their products to salons by day, one bottle, one salon, one customer at a time.  Today AG is sold in thousands of salons across North America and raved hair/beauty editors and celebs all over.  Their philosophy is to simply produce hair products that offer outstanding results.  And when their customer is asked what makes AG different, their response is “AG just works!” And it does……use, love, repeat………..and pack straight into my travel bags!

 

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August 16, 2010

Stiruppz

I received in the mail today some catalogs and magazines previewing the fall fashion scene.  It is kind of hard to get really excited about the fall season when it is 100 some odd degrees and feel like when you step outside you step into a sauna! But, I love the fall and winter season.  Both temperature wise and fashion wise.  I find it so much easier to coordinate wardrobes and just enjoy figuring out what I am going to wear.  I am a coat and boot girl! And I love some of the new boot styles for the season!

Now skinny jeans and leggings are in! And personally anything that is slimming is ALWAYS in style! And since it is fall, the skinny jeans need boots! They create even a leaner silhouette.  The problem is that while it looks and photographs well, it seems that every time you move and change positions, you are pushing and stuffing your jeans back into your boots.  I’ve tried pretty much every trick to help keep the jeans in your boots but to no avail.  Luckily I discovered

STIRUPPZ! Stiruppz are designed to keep your jeans in place so you can keep moving! They are easy to clip on, won’t damage clothing, and so comfy you won’t even know they are there.  They even work on the popular over-the-knee boot styles!

Stiruppz are easy to use and wear.  They work best when jeans are cuffed. Simply cuff and fold your jeans to the desired length and clip on your stiruppz. One size fits everyone. And the jeans can be folded and cuffed to adjust to the right tension for maximum comfort.  They are made of elastic webbing, nylon and alligator clips. They won’t damage clothing and are comfortable enough to wear all day.  They are sold at a variety of locations (and heads up New Yorkers—they are at Ricky’s!!) and you can also learn more and order them on http://www.stiruppz.com/.

As I gaze lovingly over at my boot collection, I realize that I will have some time before I can wear them, but I am getting ready, and I won’t have to worry about tucking my pants in!

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August 13, 2010

Yeah!  Kathy has a blog here now! Check back soon for Kathy’s  posts!

http://itsaglamthing.com/2010/08/13/5/

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