You know they say, “Good things come in small packages!” Well I believe that CARMEX is a great example of that statement !! This is one of those articles that I really enjoy writing, not only because of the name recognition of CARMEX products, but the memories that it stirs up when you think of how many generations have used Carmex! My Mother, and “Nana” always had a little Jar of Carmex with them at all times:-). Cool weather or warm weather and anything in-between, I remember that Carmex jar! (By the way, that little Carmex jar is celebrating it’s 75th birthday this year…) That’s amazing!

CARMEX has maintained it’s high standard of quality throughout all those decades, but has also kept up with the times, and that’s what I’d like to share with you.

Let’s start with their skin care. This is a newer item and includes CARMEX Healing Lotion and Healing Cream.

These are the convenient tubes (shown above). They have a Healing Lotion formula which is a lighter weight product with aloe and vitamin E that will not only heal your skin but help with dryness. There is also a Healing Cream that is richer and helps extremely dry skin, and those rough and cracked areas. You can use it anywhere on your body.

The newest 13 oz. size in the Healing Lotion is shown below.

The convenient tubes can go anywhere with you and the pump container is perfect for your vanity.

As a makeup artist who over the years has really cleaned my hands a lot, I’ve personally found that the Healing Cream is a perfect solution for me. It actually helps with healing the dry skin on my hands and smoothing the roughness. I really appreciate the nine healing and moisturizing ingredients that don’t just cover your skin, but heals and softens it as well.

I have tubes of both the Healing Cream and Healing Lotion in my professional case, and they are used all the time when I am on location. I even got the host of the national PBS series where I do the key makeup artistry, the Healing Cream as a holiday gift this past year.

You can’t beat the price of the product, and the results are priceless!

The Healing Lotion comes in a:
13oz.pump size for a suggested retail price of $10.99
5.5oz.tube for a suggested retail price of $5.99
1oz.trial size tube for 99 cents.

The Healing Cream is available in a:
4oz.tube for a suggested retail price of $5.99
2oz.travel-size tube that retails for $2.99
.75oz trial size tube for 99 cents

With a time tested product like CARMEX you can be confident that the new skin care products will deliver!! What really sold me on the products… They are NOT greasy on your skin.

CARMEX SKIN CARE PRODUCTS ARE AVAILABLE AT : Walmart, CVS, Meijer, Walgreens, and:
www.walgreens.com
www.drugstore.com

Have you ever tried the CARMEX FLAVORED LIP BALM STICKS ? Ingredients include Vitamin E and Aloe. There are two newer flavors available in Vanilla, and Lime Twist. (Vanilla is pictured below.)

CARMEX Flavored Lip Balm Sticks are great for your lips, and with a 15~SPF you can enjoy the flavor while you protect your lips against dryness and premature aging with Vitamin E and the healing qualities of Aloe. The .15 solid stick flavored balm is only $1.99 (Suggested Retail Price)
(Quote) The refreshing Lime Twist flavor is a first in the flavored lip balm category.) Other flavors of this soothing flavored lip balm include Strawberry and Cherry.

You will be able to purchase these flavored lip balms at “most national chain drug and retail stores in the U.S”, including: Walgreens, Meijer, SUPERVALU, Shopko and Walmart.

Whether you choose your CARMEX lip balm in the jar, tube, or stick, you can enjoy the confidence of knowing (Quote) for 13 years running, Carmex has been the most pharmacist-recommended lip balm; ranking number one in a national survey of over-the counter lip balm products by Pharmacy Times magazine.

Now, if you like a hint of color on your lips try the New CARMEX Moisture Plus™ Ultra hydrating lip balm with a sheer tint of color. Choose from NEW Sheer Berry, NEW sheer Plum, Sheer Pink and Sheer Peach. (Sheer Plum is pictured below)

The Moisture Plus Ultra Hydrating Lip balm really gives your lips a soft kiss of color.

The new tints are Sheer Plum, Sheer Berry, Sheer Pink, and Sheer Peach. They have all the moisturizing benefits of Vitamin E, aloe butter, shea butter and avocado butter, a 15 SPF, the classy applicator, and the ability to subtly enhance your lips under or over your choice of lip color and achieve different looks as you maintain healthy, smooth beautiful lips.

This product is not tested on animals, and sells for the suggested retail price of $2.99.

The New plum and berry tints can be purchased exclusively at CVS stores and:www.cvs.com

The pink and peach tints are available at mass merchandise stores as Walgreens, Walmart and CVS stores.

CARMEX has been around for 75 years and has delivered a tried and true dependable product. They have also evolved with the times and have continued to create state of the art new products while always keeping the integrity of the CARMEX quality reputation.

Happy Birthday, CARMEX….. and many, many more!!

OK Glam Gals ~ Here’s our beautiful, talented, fearless leader of the “Fight The Powder” Crusade ~ Celebrity Makeup Artist and president of Mally Beauty, Mally Roncal!

Celebrity Makeup Artist ~ Mally Roncal

Mally has one “Nemesis”! The CULPRIT ~ Translucent Powder!
(Quoting Mally) “Powder can make women look cakey, crusty, funky, and settle into fine lines and wrinkles!”

Mally has created a product called Mally’s Evercolor Poreless Face Defender. Personally speaking, this product is fantastic. As the Key Makeup Artist for a national PBS television series, I’ve been using Mally’s Evercolor Poreless Face Defender since 2010. I have it shipped to me on a regular basis. Working in HD-TV you have to look flawless! Face Defender looks great indoors, outdoors, and in any light! I no longer carry a translucent powder in my professional case, or in my own makeup bag!

The Evercolor Poreless Face Defender (Quote) “yields a waterclear, featherlight product that diffuses the look of pores, fine lines , imperfections and helps makeup last and last! It finishes a look, mattifies, and smooths without the dry, ashy look of powder.”

Mally's Evercolor Poreless Face Defender

First I’ll give you Mally’s website where you will find great products created by Mally, Videos, and more. On the home page you’ll find a Mally Beauty icon that will take you to the Mally Beauty Facebook page where you can take the pledge. Just go to:
www.mallybeauty.com

You may also “Search” Mally Beauty when you are logged into Facebook and that will also get you to the “Fight The Powder” page. Make sure to “LIKE” this page and take the pledge!

I took the pledge! So now it’s your turn ! Take the pledge to “FIGHT THE POWDER”!

You can imagine my enthusiasm when asked if I’d like to interview the phenomenal Olympic Gold Medal swimmer, now commentator,TV Show Host, and Mother of two, Summer Sanders.

Summer Sanders

I was quite intrigued about Summer being the spokesperson for “Rethink Varicose Veins“. Summer mentioned that she had been experiencing aching, and heaviness in her legs. She thought that it might be a result from being very active, on her feet a lot with her children, a busy career, and possibly getting older, but discovered after visiting a vein specialist that it actually was “Venous Insufficiency” which is what causes Varicose Veins. She was told that if not treated it could get worse and become CVI or Chronic Venous Insufficiency where symptoms could become more serious.

I asked Summer if there were any Varicose Vein problems in her family and she told me that her Mom got them after pregnancy. Summer did have her Venous Insufficiency treated, and told me not only was it resolved, but she was able to walk out on her own after the treatment. That was pretty amazing to me, and I was so happy for Summer being able to overcome this Vein problem and now help share the information with others as Spokesperson for Rethink Varicose Veins.

With the upcoming 2012 Olympics in London, I needed to find out if Summer would be covering them, and indeed she will be doing webcasts for Yahoo Sports.

I asked her if she felt that same thrill as an Olympic commentator as she did when she was an Olympic participant. She said that she got out of the competition at the right time and is still closely involved with her commentary work on TV that keeps her close to the competition and the “ adrenaline rush of the excitement.”

Curious about what sparked Summer’s passion for swimming she said that she has a Brother who is 4 years older, and when they were younger and living in California with such wonderful warm weather, they would spend lots of time swimming in their pool at home.

Wrapping up our interview I wondered if Summer and her husband, Erik (a former Olympian Skier), were noticing any inclination toward sports with their two children. Summer said that the children do enjoy sports and right now they were just letting them try and participate in various sport activities and see what happens.

Talking with Summer was so enjoyable. I wished her all the best as spokesperson for Rethink Varicose Veins, and lots of fun covering the 2012 Olympics in London.

I still had a few more things I wanted to learn about Varicose Veins and was very happy that I was able to speak with the delightful and extremely informative Dr. Mark A. Adelman who was also available to be interviewed.

(Quotes from Dr. Adelman’s Biography) Dr. Mark A. Adelman is an Associate Professor of Surgery at New York University Medical Center. As Chief of the Division of Vascular Surgery, he is well known nationally and internationally for his academic accomplishments. He has served as a President of the New York Society for Vascular Surgery as well as President of the Association of International Vascular Surgeons. Dr. Adelman has published more than 100 peer-reviewed publications and is well recognized by the media for his contributions in venous disease.  Dr. Adelman has been an innovator in the endovascular treatment of venous disease and aortic disease. He has been an investigator in more than 25 clinical trials, and holds three U.S. and international patents for surgical instrumentation. His clinical interests include venous pathology, endovascular treatment of aortic aneurysm, and carotid artery disease.

Dr. Mark A. Adelman

He mentioned that things are different now than they were years ago and a patient with Varicose Veins does not have to suffer with pain as they did in the past. In the older days it was a more intense procedure. Now a days with Laser type procedures they are much better and can be done locally.

More good news! Where as in the past insurance generally didn’t cover this procedure,now,in most cases, the procedure is covered by insurance, and you’ll most likely be able to walk out after your treatment like Summer did!

Dr. Adelman shared so much positive and encouraging information regarding Varicose Veins and Chronic Venous Insufficiency and it’s so nice to know that there is new technology that is able to help. I was so glad to have had an opportunity to speak with him. Ongoing success Dr. Adelman and thank you!

I believe now we need to be proactive and personally educate ourselves about Varicose Veins, and Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) and see if it may be something that might be helpful for possible problems that we may be dealing with. This is probably the perfect time to refer you to the RETHINK VARICOSE VEINS WEBSITE where you will not only receive more information about Varicose Veins, treatment options, read about Summer’s experience, and be able to take a self assessment and screening to find out if you should see a doctor. There is also a locator, to find a doctor in your area! Please take a moment to visit:
www.rethinkvaricoseveins.com

Now is the time!!Don’t delay! We are all so active these days, that there is no reason to suffer with the discomfort of Varicose Veins, and Chronic Venous Insufficiency anymore.

Recently I had the wonderful opportunity to interview the innovator of Miracle Skin Transformer, Sarah McNamara.

Miracle Skin Transformer is a great multi-tasking Line of products that not only can be used as wonderful treatments for the skin but cosmetically as well!

I just received this Miracle Skin Transformer Mother’s Day promotion that I believe any Mom would truly appreciate, and wanted to share it with you.

One of the questions I asked Sarah McNamara in our interview was:
“How did your conception and development of a treatment and cosmetic line come about?”

Sarah’s reply was :“As a busy mother of two, I didn’t want or have time to apply tons of lotions, gels and creams before even applying my makeup. I knew there had to be a better, easier way to deliver short cuts to beautiful, flawless skin. I noticed a gap in the market which is why I formulated Miracle Skin Transformer to moisturize, prime, even skin tone , mattify like a powder and protect with sunscreen all in one easy application.”

I believe a lot of Mom’s would agree with Sarah, and really enjoy receiving some time saving Miracle Skin Transformer products on Mother’s day 🙂

Just go to :www.miracleskintransformer.com and
and with any $48.00 purchase receive a FREE Travel Size Hydroactive Microderm and Hydroactive Cleanser! Don’t forget to enter the code: ilovemom at checkout!

This offer is available starting today until May 13th!

If you have Rosacea or know someone who does, you are aware of the challenges that are faced on a daily basis with finding not only cosmetics but treatment products for your skin.

AUTOPALM may be just the answer you are looking for. The AUTOPALM products were specifically created for dry and sensitive skin. (QUOTE) “The rich , emollient , yet non-greasy ATOPALM formulas are designed for skin suffering from allergies, rosacea , dryness and sensitivity in need of gentle yet powerful treatment.

ATOPALM is also paraben-free and (QUOTE) “powered by Dermatologist and Opthalmologist tested *plant derived ingredients that mimic skins natural structure and restore skins barrier system. This unique complex hydrates , soothes and calms skin in distress, leaving dry, sensitive skin visibly renewed.”

I really like the phrase “Calms skin in distress”, which is just what you try to do with rosacea, allergies, and dry skin. I don’t have rosacea, but have to really be aware of how I care for my skin since it is somewhat sensitive. I like to have a nice clean feel to my skin. If I use something that is too rich my skin can get a bit bumpy, and and clogged. If I use something that is more aggressive I’ll sometimes get a lot of red irritation.

ATOPALM seems to have a balance in it’s products that are gentle to your skin without being greasy or heavy. They are quite affordable and have a very nice variety of products to choose from including:

(paraphrased from ATOPALM promotional literature)
INTENSIVE MOISTURIZING CREAM ($30) :
•Vitamin and Antioxidant Blend
•Rich, Hydrating, gentle yet effective
•For Dry, Sensitive skin, and skin recovering from Microdermabrasion
•Calms Eczema and Rosacea Symptoms

MOISTURIZING BODY LOTION ($30):
•Lightweight, Non-Greasy, Quickly Absorbed
•For Dry, Sensitive, and Eczema Prone Skin
•Ultra-nurishing combination of olive and grape seed oils blended with Vitamin E and antioxidants
•Leaves skin glowing , energized and visibly hydrated

DAYTIME UNDERMAKEUP MOISTURE CREAM ($18):
•A restorative moisturizer imparting a smooth base for even, long-lasting makeup application
•Infused with Vitamin E and antioxidants
•Gentle yet hydrating it maintains beautiful, healthy skin

FACIAL CLEANSING FOAM ($18):
•A cleanser that’s rich, moisturizing and gentle for everyday use
•Melts away makeup and pollutants without stripping the skin
•Moisture levels are replenished and skin feels soft supple and clean

MOISTURIZING EYE REPAIR SERUM ($35):
•A anti-aging, restorative serum that protects the sensitive eye area
•Diminishes the visible appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
•Made with a dynamic peptide complex including Vitamin C
•Gentle yet effective and fights free radicles and prevents the signs of premature aging

MOISTURIZING SKIN REVITALIZING COMPLEX ($35):
•A powerful yet gentle rejuvenating formula
•Helps diminish the appearance of fine lines, roughness, wrinkles and laugh lines
•Brightens skin with a unique peptide complex infused with Vitamin C and licorice root

MOISTURIZING HAND TREATMENT ($18):
•A Moisturizing emulsion
•Promotes a more youthful and brighter-looking skin with a hydrating antioxidant blend
•A nourishing treatment that delivers lasting protection to your hands

The ATOPALM SKINCARE SYSTEM has created state-of-the-art skincare for sensitive skin. You may find out more about ATOPALM and their products at:
www.atopalm.com

*Plant derived ingredients: MLE-MULTI LAMELLAR EMULSION FORMULAS

The response to Miracle Skin Transformer has been very exciting. Sarah McNamara has created a lot of interest in her products that are not only great for multi-tasking in a cosmetic fashion, but are treatment products as well.

I really wanted find out more about Ms.McNamara and her versatile new products. I was thrilled when I was able to get an interview with her, and now be able to share it with you. So as promised, here is the interview I had with the innovator of Miracle Skin Transformer, Sarah McNamara!

VICKI: Sarah, would you share a bit about your background in the cosmetic and skincare field.

SARAH: I am originally from New Zealand and began working behind the counter at the country’s most prestigious department store. It was there that I became passionate for the cosmetics industry. I studied the international skincare market while working for some of the most iconic brands in the business for the past 15 years. I mostly became inspired by ethically obtained, innovative powerful ingredients and advanced delivery systems.

VICKI: That’s quite interesting, Sarah. You really have been involved in many aspects of the cosmetic business. How did your conception and development of a treatment and cosmetic line come come about?

SARAH: As a busy mother of two, I didn’t want or have time to apply tons of lotions, gels and creams before even applying my makeup. I knew there had to be a better, easier way to deliver short-cuts to beautiful, flawless skin. I noticed a gap in the market which is why I formulated Miracle Skin Transformer to moisturize, prime, even skin tone, mattify like a powder and protect with sunscreen all in one easy application.

VICKI: How ingenious, and what a unique idea…. Are there any new products and future considerations for Miracle Skin Transformation?

SARAH: We just launched Hydroactive Microderm and Hydroactive Cleanser exclusively on HSN. These are high-concept prep cleansing products formulated to take away environmental dirt and grime, as well as dead skin cells which is so critical. This creamy cleanser contains Manuka Honey from New Zealand, a powerful antioxidant used to calm and smooth the skin. The Hydroactive Microderm is designed to be used every other day in collaboration with the cleanser to gently exfoliate and remove dead skin cells and prep skin for the day. We also have our first-ever true overnight treatment product coming out in Summer 2012, Triple Active Night Treatment. We’re very excited about this launch as this night cream simplifies nightly skin care regimens by combining the power of three multi-functional night creams into one jar formulated to exfoliate, moisturize and address anti-aging concerns.

VICKI: That’s a super combination, and the Night Cream sounds magnificent! With your amazing mass appeal, and now being on HSN, is there anything else you’d like to share with us at this time?

SARAH: Miracle Skin Transformer has many new developments on the way. We most recently made our debut on HSN which was great fun. I am also hosting a radio show with my best guy, Anthony, called Face Forward with Sarah McNamara: Life, Beauty & Everything in Between. We air every Wednesday at 2pm EST on VoiceAmerica on the Variety Channel. We have an amazing line up of guests coming up, so be sure to tune in for some entertainment! Miracle Skin Transformer is also debuting our first-ever infomercial in the coming weeks. We are looking forward to all of the exciting endeavors to come!

VICKI: Sarah, we all are all excited about any new developments with Miracle Skin
Transformer, and watching your appearances on HSN. Congratulations on your new Radio show. We’ll definitely be tuning in to hear your weekly program! Looking forward to seeing the Miracle Skin Transformer infomercial,too! That will be awesome…

Thank you so much for taking time from you busy schedule for this interview. Wishing you the best with all of your upcoming ventures.

You can visit Sarah’s website at:
http://www.miracleskintransformer.com/

and HSN: http://www.hsn.com/cnt/search/searchresults/default.aspx?Ntt=Miracle+Skin+Transformer&N=0&Ntk=Std&st=2&c

So as we say in the “BIZ”… stay tuned!! We’ll keep you updated on Sarah McNamara, and Miracle Skin Transformer right here on It’s A Glam Thing!

The beautiful and talented founder of Skinnygirl, Bethenny Fankel, is a very busy woman. Not only is Bethenny a successful entrepreneur, TV star, chef, and author, but a wife and mother as well.

Bethenny’s creation of the very well designed Skinnygirl treatment products will not only share with all of you busy glam gals a complete collection of Face and Body Solutions that she herself has found effective, but the confidence that her beneficial products will do the job that they are supposed to do at an affordable price. Another plus is that the products are all made in the USA with no animal testing.

You’ll be able to find out more information about Bethenny Frankel’s Skinnygirl Face and Body Solutions and the complete array of products that are available for you by going to:www.skinngirlfaceandbody.com
You may purchase your products on the website link above, at Nationwide Walmart stores, or on : www.walmart.com (search Skinnygirl)

I had the opportunity to try the Skinnygirl Tinted Moisturizer with Vitamin E and Broad Spectrum SPF 15. I have a lighter skin tone so the Sand Tint was perfect for me. (Beige and Mocha tints are also available.)

The Tinted Moisturizer has a terrific delivery system. When you take off the cap, there is a brush right in the tubelike container. You lightly squeeze the tube, the product comes through the brush, and you apply the product directly on your face. It’s so convenient and easy!! What I like about the way it’s dispensed is that it really evens your skin and blends perfectly using the brush. The finish is just right and it feels so nice on your skin.

So why did Bethenny create Skinnygirl Face and Body Solutions?
(QUOTE from Bethenny) “I created the new Skinnygirl beauty products to offer an honest, practical alternative to the overpriced products out there. Will you wake up 20 years younger? No. Will you look and feel fresher, perkier, and ready to take on the world? Absolutely.”

I think that’s what most of us look for when it comes to keeping up our appearances,
and there are some really neat solutions for you in Bethenny Frankel’s Skinnygirl products.

From products for your face and body, collections for your bath, and for mommies, along with awesome customized kits… SKINNYGIRL FACE AND BODY SOLUTIONS has it all!

Make sure you visit:http://www.facebook.com/pages/Skinnygirl-Face-and-Body/143676702407194

AND

https://twitter.com/#!/Skinnygirlskin

One LUCKY winner will have an opportunity to win a Skinnygirl Tinted Moisturizer with Vitamin E and Broad Spectrum SPF 15. All you need to do is send an email to: lisa@itsagalmthing(dot)com. In the subject line write SKINNYGIRL TINTED MOISUTUIZER and your color choice. ( Light- SAND, Medium- Beige, or Mocha -for a deeper skin tone). The winner will be notified the beginning of May by email.
Good luck everyone and many thanks to Bethenny Frankel and Skinnygirl Face and Body Solutions!!!

Your are invited!

http://lisacocuzza.itsaglamthing.com/mally-shares-the-love/