Archives for March 2011

March 30, 2011

“Like”-ing eos New Hand Lotions!!!! You Will Too!

eos is the evolution of smooth! And those wonderfully smooth, creative people who brought you those fabulous and cleverly packaged Lip Balm Smooth Spheres, and Ultra Moisturizing Shave Cream, that makes shaving a joy instead of a chore, are now adding hand and body lotion to their eco-friendly line!

Infused with moisturizing shea butter and oat extract as well as a generous helping of natural antioxidants, essential nutrients and vitamins C and E, eos never greasy, super-soothing hand and body lotion will leave your skin soft, supple and radiantly healthy long after you apply it. Let your skin soak in the goodness!

There are three body lotions; Everyday Nourish Body Lotion for normal to dry skin, Intensive Boost Body Lotion for dry to extra dry skin and Cucumber Refresh Body Lotion for normal to dry skin. Suggested retail price is $7.99, and of course all eos products are available at major retailers including: Walmart, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Duane Reade, evolutionofsmooth.com, drugstore.com.

Eos Everyday Hand Lotion is 97% natural, portable and like its older sibling The Lip Balm Spheres, ultra stylish. The hand lotions come in a unique pebble design, and can easily fit anywhere; your purse, your pocket, your desk. Perfect for the men in your life as well! (No surprise here-the Lip Balm Spheres are a big hit with the male population!). There are two hand lotions; Everyday Hand Lotion and Everyday Hand Lotion with Cucumber Scent. At suggested price of $3.99, you can pick up several to have them readily available for the entire family and for all your spring get-a-ways!  

Better yet, you can easily score some of this fabulous hand lotion simply by going to the eos facebook page. (Facebook.com/eos) Click on the “Giveaway” tab between April 4th and May 2nd. Submit your contact info and choose your desired fragrance. You will automatically be entered into each of the subsequent giveaways (there are four in total) until either you win one of the 20,000 eos hand lotions or until the giveaway ends.

The hand lotion you’ll love is a “like” away…………

 

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March 28, 2011

Bella Borghese

It’s spring!!! Although I am not quite sure that Mother Nature has read the memo yet! A new season is a great excuse to check in with your skin and help repair and restore it from the prior season and rejuvenate it for the next. After the cold winter we’ve had this year, chances are it has wreaked havoc on your skin. It is time to rescue your skin from the harsh winter’s beating and prep it for spring.  Spending a day at an Italian spa? In my dreams perhaps, but unfortunately I didn’t have the mega millions winning numbers! But thanks to Borghese I can bring the Italian spa to me!

I have been a fan of Borghese’s Fango Active Mud for Face and Body since an old roommate introduced me to it. We would stock up whenever there was a sale and do a girls weekend of beauty. This amazing mask eliminates dead skin cells, unclogs pores and detoxifies impurities like no other.  She has long since moved, but I try  to keep the tradition of a girl’s weekend of beauty going. Bel Viso by Borghese makes it possible to have spa quality products at home.

Bel Viso, which translates to a beautiful treatment, is a complete package of seven indulgent Borghese products that offer a complete facial treatment in the comfort of your home. With easy to follow instructions, in a beautiful black and silver gift box, it is easy to give yourself a complete spa facial treatment. This package contains Esfoliante Delicato, used first to cleanse and exfoliate your face. Effetto Immediato Spa Soothing Tonic for Sensitive Skin is the non-irritating alcohol and fragrance free toner then used to help hydrate, condition, and balance skin leaving it soft, smooth looking and glowing.

Moisturize and protect the delicate eye area by gently massaging the lightweight and fast-absorbing Fluido Protettivo Advanced Spa Lift for Eyes. Intensify your skin’s capacity to retain moisture by massaging CuraForte Moisture Intensifier. Restore firmness and resiliency by applying Crema Straordinaria Da Giorno SPF 25. At night, use Dolce Notte Re-energizing Night Crème. This rich, night time moisturizing cream promotes cell turnover and cell regeneration, keeping skin balanced, hydrated and healthy.

Once a week, apply the Fango Active Mud For Face and Body for a deep cleansing moisturizing mask. It gently detoxifies as it tones and polishes skin.  Best yet, Borghese’s Bel Viso Facial Skincare set is available at QVC.com for $54.00. You couldn’t do a day spa facial for that price, nor could you even assemble the products for that low price. Order from QVC.com, schedule some quality bonding time with yourself, your BFF, your mother…..and rescue your skin from the winter doldrums!  Bring on spring!

 

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March 25, 2011

My interview with Multi-Talented Sean Kanan AKA “Soap Star”, Deacon Sharpe, from The Young and the Restless

I couldn’t wait for my office phone to ring so I could interview Sean Kanan! After all, we all recognize Sean as the Young and the Restless “Soap Star” who comes into our homes each day as Deacon Sharpe , the very good looking, yet notorious “shady” character you have to “love”… even though he always has some kind of ” dubious game plan” up his sleeve!

When his call came, Sean’s charismatic and easy going personality set the mood for a very congenial conversation. After a few moments we realized that we shared a couple of mutual friends in the business, and I found myself quite interested in finding out more about some of the projects that this very multi-talented actor, writer and producer had going on, in addition to his starring role on The Young and the Restless.

Sean was extremely enthusiastic about a Rap Video that his girlfriend, FLIP CREATIVE Vice President/Manager, Michele Vega, was producing. It’s called “I’M A SOAP STAR” starring Sean, along with popular fellow “Soap Star” Ronn Moss, and a cast that sure seems to be having a fab time “RAPPING ON” in this “change of pace” venue!

Production of “I’M” A SOAP STAR” should be completed very soon, and I can only imagine that this will be something you won’t want to miss! . So keep checking in for “I’M A SOAP STAR, updates!

Sean is also starring in a movie that starts production in May, titled “MY TRIP BACK TO THE DARK SIDE”. The film will be directed by Emmy Award winning film maker, Shane Stanley, Michele Vega is one of the co-producers, and Sean will play a character named David Prince.

Quoting information from IMDB regarding “MY TRIP BACK TO THE DARK SIDE” :
The genre is a comedy – thriller, and the Movie Storyline is about a dramatic turn of events that force Shawn Stone to take another trip to the dark side. This time he and David Prince join forces to make The Foreign Exchange.”

Sounds like a “Must See” movie to me, and will keep you posted as I receive any new information about Sean’s film and the Rap Video!

Rock on Sean! This is going to be a fast paced Summer with your busy schedule! Wishing you all the best and look forward to catching up with you again real soon!!

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March 25, 2011

John Frieda—Many New Fabulous Products For Spring!

Colour my own hair?? Surely, you jest! First of all, even after decades of practice, I have all I can do to handle a blow drier and brush! I don’t have the hair savvy or co-ordination to even attempt colouring my own hair. And besides, from what I’ve seen, there is a big difference between having your having your hair done in a salon versus you doing it at home yourself. The hair colourist is a professional that can work their hair colour magic, giving you optimum results; salon precise coverage and salon quality results. So would I cheat on my hair colour and colour my own hair…..no way in hell!

Those were my sentiments as I headed over to the John Frieda event where they were launching their first-ever permanent hair colour, Precision Foam Colour. I am a however, a big fan of the John Frieda line. I LOVE all things Sheer Blonde line, and use their Frizz-Ease whenever I want my hair to be bone-straight. I was looking forward to seeing their new products, which included the Precision Foam Colour, The Full Repair Line, The Sheer Blonde Lightening Spray, Frizz-Ease 3-Day Straight, and Luxurious  Volume.

Let’s talk about the new editions….Luxurious Volume-a dry shampoo, without the white residue mess, and doesn’t leave hair wet or tacky. It will absorb oil and revive volume for round-the-clock style. It comes in a handy throw in your purse style, and will be one that I carry around with me on those non-stop days. Fabulous addition! Next up, the Frizz-Ease 3-Day Straight. Need I say more? It is an at-home alternative to keratin treatments. And best yet? If you decide to go curly for a while, you can. The 3-Day Frizz-Ease allows you to mix and match your styles.

The Sheer Blonde Lightening Spray will give those of us who think there is no such thing as being too blonde a chance to rejoice. This heat activated spray will allow you to keep your blonde fresh and bright when you can’t get to a salon. The more heat you add, the lighter you will go. It will be perfect for summer! And the Full Repair Line, containing Inca Inchi oil which repairs hair, is a revolutionary way to repair hair without sacrificing style. There is The Full Body Shampoo, Full Body Conditioner, Protecting Root Lift Foam, Perfect Ends Deep In fusion, Perfect Ends Sheer Mist, And Touch-up Flyaway Tamer (another toss in your purse must have item!) All fabulous products to me to play with!

As to the Precision Foam Hair Colour-the John Frieda team worked over 7 years to develop a line of home hair colour that can give salon-precise coverage and salon-quality results. “In the past, I’ve always advised at-home hair colour because it’s just been impossible to get the same even coverage that colourists can achieve at the salon, “explains Harry Josh, John Frieda International Creative Consultant. The two biggest barriers to achieving salon-caliber results at home: coverage and colour. With Precision Foam Colour, John Frieda® Hair Care addresses both these issues in a revolutionary way, putting colourist expertise in women’s hands.

The 20-shade palette collection was developed in conjunction with the John Frieda® Creative Colour Director, and sought-after U.K. colourist, Nicola Clarke, who is responsible for some of the most iconic hair colours in Hollywood. Nicola spoke about the product, and how the colors were developed, and then grabbed a box, saying something like in order to know how to talk about it, she would need to know how to use the product. She opened it, showing 3 bottles, consisting of a developer, colourant, and conditioner, a nozzle to foam, and a pair of gloves. She donned the gloves. Dumped the colourant into the developer, gently tilted the bottle 5 times, put the foam nozzle on, and squeezed the bottle getting a tennis ball sized amount of foam, and started applying it to her roots and then through her hair gently massaging. No mess, no drips, no smell. Thirty minutes later, an incredible shade of blonde that was touchable, even coverage and natural.

The proprietary foam colour technology promises unprecedented access to salon precision. In combination with virtually foolproof foam coverage, the shade range effectively addresses the other common at-home colour complaints: dull, flat, uneven, or unnatural colour. Massaging the innovative foam into hair provides even coverage effortlessly—the kind of flawless colour previously only available at the salon. Easy to apply, the non-aerosol foam formula spreads evenly through hair, saturating every strand completely—even the back of the head, roots and hairline.

“Part of what traditionally sets salon colour apart from at-home colour is the quality of the shades,” explains Clarke. “I worked with John Frieda hair care to create shades that closely reflect what I really use in the salon—there’s a full range of natural, luminous colours for blondes, brunettes, and redheads, giving women access to a caliber of colour usually found in the salon.”

  Watching Nicola in action inspired me. Went home, and the next day looked in the mirror, said “I can do this!” took a deep breath and voila! I am loving my Sheer Blonde Extra Light Beige Blonde! So easy that even I, a hair challenged woman if there ever was, could do it! And with the Sheer Blonde Lightening Spray, I am ready for spring! Thank you John Frieda!

John Frieda products are available at food, drug and mass retailers nationwide. For more on John Frieda products and how to select your perfect shade, see www.johnfrieda.com

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March 24, 2011

Elizabeth Taylor-February 27, 1932-March 23, 2011

When you think of Elizabeth Taylor, so many images come to mind.  As an actress, she was truly one of our last great screen icons. She rose to fame as a child star and went on to become an Oscar winning actress. As to her turbulent romances, you had to admire that she lived fearlessly without regret when it came to her choices off-screen. A survivor, she conquered her addictions. A formidable business woman in her own right, her love of jewelry, (her collection must be massive) inspired her not only to become a jewelry designer, but launch three perfumes. Her perfume sales alone earn an estimated $200 million in annual sales. And as a philanthropist, she was one of the first celebrities that came out and championed for AIDS related charities and fundraising.

I admired her for her fearlessness. She took a chance, even if it didn’t give her the desired results, she took it. Better to try and fail than not try. No regrets. She lived in the spot light, yet did it with dignity. She conquered her vices, and took responsibility for her actions. She pioneered for AIDS awareness when no one else wanted to know it existed. She used her fame to bring about change. Gutsy, fearlessly and a fighter…..all the way to the end.

One of my friends (the great Karen Starr DelloIacono) had the pleasure of meeting her in 1987, when she worked at JFK/TWA. Her supervisor asked her to be Elizabeth’s personal TWA VIP rep and she got to hang out with her at the Ambassador’s Club. Before boarding her flight, Elizabeth handed Karen 3 bottles of her new perfume, Passion, autographed, which wasn’t available to the public yet.  

Karen remembers….”She  immediately asked if I was wearing Chanel No. 5, which I was, and we sat and chatted for the entire 90 minutes she was in the Ambassador’s Club. We talked about her dogs, my dog, my love of archaeology, fashion, travel, New York and life. Not once did I bring up being famous and her movies. You can tell when someone is interested in getting to know you and she sincerely was. I excused myself to call the gate to let them know we were coming and when I got back, there were 3 boxes of her new perfume, Passion, on the table. Autographed. I was floored. One for me, my Mom and Grandmother. I was also advised to start using it in lieu of Chanel (big smile on her face).”

When Karen escorted her to the plane they said their goodbyes. “She told me to tell my Mom and Grandmother hello and to give them her best wishes. She had a very nice time getting to know me and hoped that we would meet again. We never did but that doesn’t mean we won’t meet in another lifetime. She left an impression on me that I will always treasure. Kind, thoughtful, intelligent, wonderful.”

RIP Elizabeth-May Your Star Always Shine Brightly!

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March 23, 2011

Macy’s + Clinton Kelly = Million Dollar Make-Over Heaven

I had the extreme pleasure to catch up with Clinton Kelly last week. In addition to wrapping-up another season of The Learning Channel’s What Not to Wear, he has been busy working with Macy’s on their Million Dollar Make-over campaign.  Retail Giant Macy’s put out a national open call on December 28, 2010, keeping the contest open through January 2011, which offered  eight Facebook fans the chance to win a make-over from style expert Clinton Kelly that could ultimately turn into a million dollar grand prize package.

Who wouldn’t want a chance for a million dollar make-over? Out of 19,000 + applicants, the final eight contestants are now selected and are posted on Macy’s Facebook page for an open voting period. The videos will be posted two at a time for four weeks. The video that receives the most votes each week will proceed to the semi-finals in April. Similarly, the two videos from the semi-finals that receive the most votes will compete in the finals round – with a victor emerging with the grand prize makeover in May.

 Martine Reardon, EVP of marketing for Macy’s, said in a written statement, “Macy’s Million Dollar Makeover with Clinton Kelly is a continuation of our efforts to help customers put it all together – from their fashion to their homes to their lives.” The victor, according to Macy’s, will win the ultimate makeover. It will include $1 million worth of “products, services, cash and experiences to transform the winner’s life.”The winner will get a truly life-changing experience. From fashion to finance to fitness, one lucky person will undergo a complete life transformation.”

Just for voting on the Macy’s Million Dollar Make-Over page on Facebook, you are entered for a chance to win a $500 gift certificate. And you get the chance to truly completely change someone’s life.

For more on the Macy’s Million Dollar Make-Over, go to Macy’s on Facebook, on the left hand side click the $ 1M Make-Over. You can also keep up with Clinton’s Official Facebook page, listed also on the left side under their likes.

You can watch my interview with Clinton, including his favorite spring fashions on our homepage.

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March 22, 2011

Help Japan Blossom!

Like so many people around the world, when a catastrophe happens, the people affected are always in my thoughts. I remember the days, weeks, and months after 9/11 here in New York. There was an overwhelming desire to help in any way possible. And there was that feeling of helplessness knowing that the only the most qualified people could help and restore, and I wasn’t one of them. I would need to find another way to support the people affected.

My thoughts are definitely with the people in Japan. I had an office in Tokyo in my former career and have spent a fair amount of time in the country. It has always been one of my favorite countries to visit, and I look forward to returning again. Nez Tokugawa, who I profiled in my October blog Drink to Your Health, is offering a way for us to help out Japan by Helping Japan Blossom, and getting some wonderful tea as a thank you for contributing! 

Nez is offering a very special tea created to celebrate and enjoy the Cherry Blossom Festivals, the Sakura Karigane , and 100% of profits from the sale of this tea will go to Second Harvest Japana Japanese non-profit who has been providing food and comfort for over 10 years and is currently “on the ground” in the affected region.   You can read more about Second Harvest Japan by visiting www.2hj.org . Sakura Karigane is a blend of Karigane Tea and Sakura (Cherry Tree) leaf. Karigane, high in Ltheanine helps the mind feel alert and calm. Sakura leaf adds a delicate cherry flavor that transports you to the aromatic, blooming spring – so treasured and honored in Japan – and now the perfect tea to enjoy.

In addition,  The Tokugawa Family will contribute $10,000.00 in matching funds to help with this Tragedy. For more on the Help Japan Blossom see

http://www.thetasteoftea.com/servlet/the-454/Restore-Japan-Help-Sakura/Detail


From the Tokugawa Family and our Friends in Japan – ARIGATO go zai MASHITA – THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

 

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March 21, 2011

My interview with Emmy award winning actress and official spokesmodel for Latisse®, Claire Danes

It was truly a pleasure to spend some time speaking with Claire Danes the other afternoon. From the moment we started talking it was more like a friendly conversation than a typical interview. I believe it’s that sincere interaction that makes the accomplished film, television and stage actress, Claire Danes, such a versatile and diverse performer.

I congratulated Claire on winning an Emmy, Golden Globe, SAG, and Satellite Award for her role as Temple Grandin in the exceptional HBO-TV movie,
“Temple Grandin”.
www.hbo.com/movies/temple-grandin/index.html

We continued talking about how one feels when they receive such acknowledgement and an outstanding positive response toward their work such as this, and Claire said that she felt “wonderful, overwhelmed, humbled, grateful, and so glad that the audiences enjoyed the movie.”

Claire then told me that she had just completed a Showtime television pilot called “Homeland”. It’s suspenseful, and she plays a CIA officer who is somewhat of a maverick and risk taker. Co-stars in “Homeland” include Mandy Patinkin, and Damian Lewis. The show sounds quite intriguing, and I look forward to it’s airing.

On a personal level, Claire shared with me that two of her daily regimes include exercise, and using Latisse®.

– LATISSE® is the first and only FDA-approved prescription treatment for inadequate or not enough eyelashes, growing them longer, fuller and darker. – Quoted from Latisse.com

Claire Dane’s Before and After pictures are very impressive:

Before Photo: Eyelashes of patient at baseline.


After Photo: Increased eyelash prominence of patient at end of 16-week use.

(The eyelashes displayed in these photos have not been retouched.)

After seeing the difference in her lashes after 4 months of using Latisse®, I could only think of one more question I needed to ask Claire, and that was if those beautiful, long, full lashes were a “real time saver” for her, in her daily morning routine….. She replied with a definite, “They are!”

You can see more pictures of Claire Danes, and her video documented “Latisse” Diary” by going to:
http://www.latisse.com/ClaireGallery.aspx?state=21

I then had an opportunity to speak with Dr. Joseph Eviatar, and would like to take this opportunity to thank him for his time and extremely helpful information regarding Latisse® and it’s use.

The following links will direct you to:
1. About Latisse®- Here you will find out more about Latisse®, Where to find a Doctor near you, Safety information, etc. :
http://www.latisse.com/Latisse.aspx?state=10

2. Become an insider- If you are a first time user of Latisse® sign up on this link for “Lash Perks, and when you buy 1 Latisse® treatment, you’ll get the next one free! You’ll also receive product updates, user tips, and other offers. :
http://www.latisse.com/BeAnInsider.aspx?state=60

Well….I’m ready for some beautiful lashes like Claire’s!!

GLAM GALS….How about you ?

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March 20, 2011

Words of Wisdom from Diane von Furstenberg

I had the extreme pleasure of being invited to a taping of the Nate Berkus Show last week (thank you Amy!!!). In addition to being a fan of Nate’s designs, I always enjoy seeing a show taped. I knew I would learn something from his show and was looking forward to attending.  

Beautiful weather, great friends, fabulous seats way in front……what could be better? It was then we started looking around at the set. There was a bedroom hidden that looked like it was clad in DVF sheets. Could it be the guest on the show would be Diane von Furstenberg?? Nate and Diane…..magic!

Indeed Diane was Nate’s guest. She had done over the bedroom for Dana, one of Nate’s lucky listeners. Diane came on to the set, looking absolutely amazing. She discussed her beginnings and the wonderful wrap dress that has with stood the fashion trends of the past 30 almost 40 years. She talked about her home décor line, and her inspirations. She is inspired by many things…..travel and nature being two of her biggest inspirations. She told us that she always has a camera on her many trips, and will take pictures of rocks, trees, leaves, anything that she enjoys in its beauty.

What I found extremely inspiring was when Nate and Diane were discussing empowering women with fashion. Diane said that she was convinced the success of the wrap dress was due to women of all ages, shapes and sizes looked good in the dress. When we look good, we feel good, and exude confidence. Nate asked Diane if she was always that confident woman. She laughed and said something to the affect of, ‘We are women, and we are always comparing ourselves to others. I would look at the woman across the room and think of how put together she was, admire her sense of confidence. It was when I realized that she was looking at me thinking how put together and confident that I was, I gained my confidence.’ A sentiment I hope to remember the next time I feel those jabs of insecurity arise.  “Being insecure,” said Diane “is a complete waste of time!” Words of wisdom to live by from the great Diane von Furstenberg!

Thank you to Amy for the invite, to Nate and his crew for a great show, (highly recommend it if you are in New York!) and to Diane von Furstenberg for reminding us to be the confident women that we all are! For more on The Nate Show, see www.thenateshow.com and for Diane’s fashion, home, accessories, and luggage line see www.dvf.com .

 

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March 19, 2011

“My kind of town Chicago is” ~ Once again, America’s Beauty Show was fantastic !


Sunday, March 13th, was a perfect day to head downtown to McCormick Place in Chicago ! As a national makeup artist, and former national trainer for an international skin care company, there is nothing more exciting than an event like America’s Beauty Show. (This year’s show was March 12th-14th.)

I must truly say, it was even more fun covering the show as a beauty correspondent for www.itsaglamthing.com !

Over hundreds of vendors and manufacturers were on the ABS exhibit floor presenting the latest in beauty, makeup, skin, nail, hair products, and tools of the trade, providing an opportunity to learn, play, try, and purchase product while right in the midst of live presentations that provided non-stop energetic education, of “what’s happening” in the world of beauty!

Quoting Cosmetologists Chicago President Frank Gironda of Frank GIronda Salon and Spa, Naperville, IL , “… For 86 years, America’s Beauty Show has been THE Midwest Beauty Show and we fully intend to continue the tradition for many many years.

L’Oreal Professional, P&G Salon Professional, and John Paul Mitchell Systems, the three largest companies in the professional beauty industry, chose America’s Beauty Show for their exhibit appearance in the Midwest this year. TIGI, Vidal Sassoon, and Tony & Guy Academy, just to name a few, were also some of the big name companies exclusively at ABS.

Speaking of Vidal Sassoon, he made a special appearance at the “Red Carpet Premiere” of the highly rated documentary -VIDAL SASSOON THE MOVIE at ABS!

Much gratitude to Lisa Cocuzza for posting pictures as I sent them “live” from the show so our viewers could be right there with me having a “GLAM” time !!


I watched a number of the Instantly Ageless Facelift in a Bottle demonstrations throughout the day, and just before I left I decided to get some and try it out!
www.instantlyageless.com


I also enjoyed Fake Bake! It’s is the most
natural tan, and there is no streaking. Andi, (on the picture)
put some on my face, and I bought the whole kit. It’s a great
look I know you’ll just love ! They have some new glosses,
too that are so fab with your new tan!!
www.fakebake.com

I look forward to trying these new “beauty finds”, and giving you a full report in future blogs.

I had to try the Twist-n-Roll tweezers as soon as I got home. It’s the most convenient way to remove facial hair, right from the root, on your upper lip, chin, cheeks, and forehead that I have used. It doesn’t cause stubble or thicker hair out growth, and you don’t have to worry about breakouts or redness. Even more convenient, you can use Twist-n-Roll tweezers over makeup… without a mirror!!

Your skin feels and looks so smooth when it’s free from unwanted hair. Go to this link and see how to use this remarkable little hair removing tool at: www.facialwork.com It can be ordered on the site as well.

Have a “GLAM” day !!

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