April 30, 2012

Luxurious Lavender from L’Occitane

We’ve all seen the commercial………..blindfold a few people, put them in a room that is sprayed with scent, and even though they are in a trash ridden room, they believe that they are in a beautiful garden. Olfaction or our sense of smell is a powerful sense. Even though odors are invisible, scent should never be underestimated. They are needed in our existence from survival, nutrition, mating and pleasure.

One scent that is used heavily in aromatherapy and medical uses is lavender. Herbalists treat skin ailments, such as fungal infections, wounds, eczema, and acne, with lavender oil. It is also used in a healing bath for joint and muscle pain. In aromatherapy, lavender is used for balancing, purifying, soothing, and an anti-depressant. It is often used in skincare, it is an antiseptic, a bactericide, a deodorant, an anti-fungal and to aide in digestion.   Aroma therapists use lavender in inhalation therapy to treat headaches, nervous disorders, and exhaustion. Studies have shown that patient’s under-going extensive treatments, like chemotherapy were more at ease when inhaling its scent.

One company that I always go to for my lavender fix is L’Occitane! (www.usa.loccitane.com) L’Occitane uses lavender that is exclusively sourced from farmers’ cooperatives on the Plateau de Sault in Haute-Provence. Their lavender products include luxurious body care and home fragrances emanating scents that capture the soul of Provence to calm and soothe the body and mind. The expertise of Lavender producers from Haute-Provence is now protected on a European level by the Protected Designation of Origin (P.D.O) label, which guarantees the exceptional quality and the traceability of the essential oil.

With products ranging from soaps, bath salts, hand creams; it is the perfect gift for yourself and for Mother’s Day! (here’s a sneak peek at some of the products. Check the L’Occitane website for all of them).

 

 

 

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April 28, 2012

April is Rosacea Awareness Month ~ Do you have Rosacea? Then ATOPALM may just be the skincare system you are looking for!

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

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April 26, 2012

Life is good when it comes from Bath & Body Works

Bath and Body Works is an all time favorite when it comes to scents and last minute gift ideas. One person I know of who loves Bath and Body Works and loves using it as gifts is my mom. Here’s what she has to say about her love for Bath and Body.

When Bath & Body named their deep cleansing liquid hand soap “Fresh Picked Pear” and “Fresh Picked Tangerine”, they named them well. It takes only a few drops to give you that really clean feel and fresh fragrance that actually stays with you. I’ve used these two “Fresh Picked” liquid soaps for the past few days and what really surprised me was that how they really smelled like fresh fruit and how long the fragrance stayed with me long after washing my hands.

Long after washing my hands the other day, I kept getting a “wiff” of the pear scent. I had forgotten about using the liquid soap earlier so I couldn’t figure where the fresh fruit smell was coming from. It took me a couple of minutes before I realized that it was my hands that were carrying the scent. It made me smile to realize that it was actually me that smelled like fresh picked pears.

I love Bath & Body Works! Always new fragrances and products to try and a great place to purchase gifts for everyone. I always keep several liquid soaps on hand for that unexpected time when I just need to tell someone that I appreciate them. They are great gifts and always appreciated.

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April 25, 2012

Is it love? No it’s EvaAmour

I can remember when I was younger my mom having what she called her “signature scent”. Every morning after her shower she splashed herself with it smelling up her whole bathroom. I remember asking her why it was her “signature scent”, and she it is a scent that she always wore that made her feel good about herself. That does not mean that she didn’t wear other scents, it was just her favorite out of all of them.

Now here I am 21 years old and I now realize why my mom had that love for her one favorite perfume. Having worked in fragrance at Macys Department Store I have smelled and tested many different fragrances. Some are sweet, some strong, some floral, or citrus, you name it and I have probably smelled it. After all my fragrance experiences I have finally found that one fragrance that not only smells delicious but makes me feel like a sexy sassy little redhead. It is called EvaAmour by the gorgeous Eva Longoria.

I love EvaAmour as an “every day wear” perfume. Every time I put it on I always get compliments on it. Older women and younger women both ask me what perfume I am wearing and where they can get their own. You can be the envy of all your friends and drive men crazy with one spray of EvaAmour in the morning. All you have to do is spray it on the pressure points of your body and before you know it people will be following you home.

For your own bottle of EvaAmour by Eva Longoria check www.hsn.com and see for yourself just what sexy smells like.

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April 22, 2012

Earth Day also Honors Eddie Albert

I was having a hard time remembering the exact date of Earth Day. “Is Earth Day the 21st or 22nd?” I asked a friend. She thought it was the 24th………..”Easy to figure out” I say back. Do a search on Eddie Albert…..it is his birthday. She says “Eddie Albert? From Green Acres? What does he have to do with Earth Day?”

Yes, THAT Eddie Albert. And what does he have to do with Earth Day? Plenty! It was Albert’s work in environmental causes which helped launch the very first Earth Day on April 22, 1970, where he was one of many celebrity guest speakers on hand to help launch the festivities. When International Earth Day was created, it was decided it must be held on April 22nd because it coincided with Albert’s birthday.

What started as a regular workout routine as a jog and swim near his Southern California home, the avid birdwatcher Albert noticed an absence of baby pelicans one season. His curiosity as to the causes led him to an investigation where he learned that thousands of pounds of the pesticide DDT had been pumped into Los Angeles area sewers by a single chemical company. DDT, a fat soluble compound with a half-life of eight years was absorbed by anchovies and other fishy favorites of the pelican’s diet. The fish, full of DDT, eventually affected the pelican’s reproductive systems. Their eggs now had such thin shells that they were crushed when the mother pelican tried to incubate them.

An avid environmentalist, Albert asked NBC for a few moments of airtime to address the harmful effects of DDT. As a result of his broadcast, Albert was asked to lecture everywhere from high schools, universities, to industrial conventions. Three years later, the US government banned the use of DDT.

His work in environmental causes began decades before the 70’s. In 1958, while filming John Huston‘s dramatic adventure The Roots of Heaven in Africa, Albert met legendary humanitarian and philosopher Dr. Albert Schweitzer. Inspired by Schweitzer, Albert adopted a similar philanthropic attitude and actively pursued what would become a lifelong crusade to raise awareness about pollution and pesticides. Not being shy about his causes, he shared his concerns on TV on shows such as The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and Today shows in the 50’s and 60’s.

Giving to the community and to the environment had been fundamental in Albert’s life. During the ’70s, he helped establish City Children’s Farms in low-income areas of major cities across the country which involves teaching inner-city children about farming. He established the Eddie Albert Trees Foundation and was a spokesperson for the National Arbor Day Foundation from 1985 to 1993.He had written and narrated numerous TV series and specials on ecology and nutrition and addressed audiences in countless universities and national organizations on the environment and world hunger. The list of board memberships and awards he’s received is staggering. It ranged from serving as a consultant to the Secretary-General of the United States Conference on the Environment to receiving The Brotherhood Award from B’nai B’rith.

And while many of us remember him as a hapless farmer in Green Acres, in reality he had quite the green thumb. Instead of manicured lawns, the front yard of his Pacific Palisades home consisted of a vegetable garden. He studied organic farming methods decades before it was fashionable.

While Albert was vocal in his causes, he was modest about his successes. He appeared in over 100 motion pictures, dozens of TV and Broadway Shows. Prior to his acting career, he gathered intelligence for the US government of movements in the Pacific and Baja regions. In the middle of his career, (1942) he joined the US Navy and was stationed in the South Pacific.

When asked in a 1996 interview what his proudest moment was, he chose his World War II service as his moment. As a Navy lieutenant, he was an active participant in the battle of Tarawa (Nov. 1943), which was one of the bloodiest battles of World War II and in the history of the U.S. Marine Corps. Albert was credited with rescuing up to 70 wounded Marines while under enemy fire and awarded the Bronze Star with a combat “V” for his heroism. He did not speak about this publicly until it was mentioned in several television documentaries about the battle in the 1990s.

Albert remained active in his humanitarian efforts until his death from pneumonia on May 26, 2005 at 99 year of age. So, Happy Earth Day as well as Happy Birthday Eddie, and thank you for all of your efforts in making us realize not only how special our world is but in making Earth Day and conservationism a part of our everyday lives perserving it for generations to come!

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April 22, 2012

My Interview with Sarah McNamara innovator of Miracle Skin Transformer

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!

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April 18, 2012

It’s your First Crush?

Acne. Frustrating isn’t it? We all have had it at one point in our life or another and getting rid of it can be a pain. I know, I have tried one remedy after another and that includes natural remedies that can be done at home. No matter what it still seems to pop up all over the place.

After trying so many products, I finally got rid of my nasty acne using one new and improved product. This product is First Crush Grape Seed Skin Care face wash. First Crush is a 3-in-1 cleanser, toner, and treatment that not only fights present acne but also fights future blemishes and is great for people with sensitive skin. When compared to other products, First Crush’s 3-in-1 not only saves you money but also got rid of the hassle of remembering which one is first and which one is last. That means no more multi product and less cost. For the first time in a long time I am confident in my own skin and I don’t feel like people are looking at my breakouts.

With its light weight milk like texture, First Crush is easy to apply, easy to remove and makes your skin feel refreshed, energized and acne free with just one wash! Even though it takes a couple weeks to see your first results your skin already “feels” the effects. Let me tell you, when you can feel it then you WILL see it. It’s just amazing what it does to your skin.

It’s time to get rid of all those pointless, skin drying products and start using First Crush Grape Seed Face wash. It’s not sold in stores so go online at www.firstcrushskincare.com for your first purchase of First Crush. It’s time to discover what it can do for you!

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April 16, 2012

TRENDING: Spin Classes!…Again:)

Looking for an amazing workout where you can tone up and burn loads of calories in about an hour or less? Well, look no further than your neighborhood spin studio. I know, I know….you’re saying “wasn’t spinning popular in [like] the late 90’s”? Well, yes…but, according to SHAPE magazine, spinning is a fitness trend that is definitely back. And, celebrities like Lady Gaga, Calista Flockhart, Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise are big fans.

　

So, trying to keep up with the apparently popular-again fitness craze, I decided to check out PEDAL, one of LA’s newest studio cycling facilities. Located in the historic Arroyo Seco neighborhood near the Rose Bowl, they offer indoor cycling, TRX suspension training classes and outdoor group runs and rides.  Director Bryan Yates says they’re also active sponsors of several local fitness events including today’s Team Bicykillers Wine & Spin Event benefitting the AIDS Lifecycle ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles.

Spin classes at PEDAL

So what draws celebs to places like PEDAL? Well, it’s pretty hard to pass up the benefits*:

  • Weight Loss: Spinning burns calories at a high rate — often 400-1000 calories in a 1-hour class.
  • Strength: In your core, legs, glutes and back
  • Body Shaping: Melt away flab and cellulite
  • Emotional: Spinning produces a huge endorphin rush in the brain, leaving you feeling refreshed, satisfied and accomplished.
  • Heart Health: High intensity cardio activity improves your overall health, reducing the risk of heart disease.
  • Joint Health: Spinning is a safe, low-impact workout. The circular motion eliminates pounding on joints and lower back, making it a great way to get in shape without damaging your body.

Olympic Athlete Shevon Stoddart

Athlete Shevon Stoddart, a member of Jamaica’s 2004 and 2008 Olympic track team, has been training at the PEDAL faclility 2-3 times a week during her preseason prep for the 2012 Games in London. She told me that spinning is her “little secret” and says that it helps her cardio and allows her to get workouts in without putting extra pounding on her legs.
 
Shevon Stoddart discusses spinning.
 

She looks amazing….okay, I think I’m sold!

 

(* Fitness information courtesy of PEDAL – A Spin Studio, 266 Monterey Road, South Pasadena, CA 91030)

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April 12, 2012

The Benefits of Steam

One of my favorite things  I enjoy when I have a facial is the steam machine! Besides relaxing me completely, facial steaming also serves many beauty and health advantages. Steam generates high temperature and moisture that open the pores of your skin. The external layer of the skin is softened, unclogging pores, and the warmth of the steam increases circulation helping to remove impurities and toxins built up in the skin. Be it make-up, blackheads, dead skin cells, even pollution, there is hardly any debris that facial steaming can’t fight!

Steaming also delivers oxygen, water and nutrients to the skin. The end result is deep cleansed, re-hydrated, and glowing skin! Steaming also has an added bonus; inhaling the steam stimulates sinus drainage, opens sinus passages getting rid of allergens, relieving nasal congestion. If you are an allergy sufferer like me, even a few minutes spent inhaling steam is a God send!

Ideally, a proper skin care routine includes facial steaming. It is highly recommended that steaming become incorporated into a weekly beauty routine so that skin may get rid of the harmful toxins and effects that it constantly is exposed to on a daily basis. Unfortunately most of us don’t have the time and/or the money to be making weekly visits to the spa for facials. And even for someone like me who knows the benefits of steaming, I find that I rarely make the time, because of the time involved and the mess. Thankfully there are facial steaming kits available that take seconds to activate.

HAAN, a recognized worldwide market leader and innovator in engineering steam technology, has begun its foray into the beauty world with the introduction of HAAN Therapeutics. Founded in Korea by Romi Haan, this young housewife and mother set out to solve a problem. How can you get the floor sparkling clean without investing a lot of time and without using harsh chemicals? Like most great entrepreneurs, she was frustrated by the time and effort to keep her household clean and sanitary, and looked to develop easy to use products that would clean and sanitize. The answer was surprisingly simple: Steam. When heated and applied properly steam kills 99.9% of household germs, bacteria and viruses and easily powers away dirt and grime. She began with an easy to use steam mop and has created a line of innovative steam products, synonymous with serious engineering, quality materials and stringent manufacturing standards.

As a wife, mother, business woman and faithful salon client Romi knows how challenging it can be to maintain the skincare and makeup routine that professional estheticians and makeup artists suggest. Turning her eye to the Beauty World, Romi has created a brand that uses her knowledge of steam innovation, and merged ancient wisdom with the latest advancements in skin care technology. A blend of science and splendor and the result are unique products that are easily used in the comfort and convenience of your home that yield professional quality results.

In addition to an amazing SAI Complex Activator home steam facial machine that is quick, and easy to use, Romi has developed an anti-aging skin care line that is built around a complex of Steam Activated Ingredients (SAI) that were globally sourced and incorporated into each component. Their specially calibrated Activator optimizes each ingredient within the SAI Complex and aids in the delivery of the formula into the deepest layer of your skin. These concentrated serums allow for easy customization for what your focus is, whether it is wrinkle reduction, blemish control or skin brightening.

If you are looking to seriously start keeping up with an at home steaming program, that can achieve the level of effectiveness seen in professionally only facial treatments, and combine it with a skin care line that utilizes that healing benefits of steam, check out the HAAN Therapeutics and Romi Beauty (www.romibeauty.com)

 

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April 11, 2012

Is it a Gumball? No Its a lip balm

To tell you about the EOS Lip Balm Smooth Spheres is my guest blogger. My mom, Sharon Hatcher. She tried EOS and fell in love with it. Here is what she has to say.

Lip balm with so many flavors to crave…..
And oh such good stuff too! EOS (Evolution of Smooth) lip balm is 100% natural and packed with antioxidant-rich vitamin E, Shea butter and jojoba oil. It does a great job of keeping your lips moist, soft, & smooth… just the way you, like them. These attractive pastel colored, egg shaped containers offer 6 flavors of the smoothest lip balm I’ve ever encountered. Flavors to meet your cravings and even to meet your special needs like “Lemon Drop SPF 15” and “Medicated Tangerine”. Other flavors you might crave are “Summer Fruit”, “Strawberry Sorbet””, “Honeysuckle Honeydew” & “Sweet Mint”.

Previously my lip balm always got lost in my purse, but the unique sphere shape of this special product makes it easy to find. One reach into my purse and my fingers instantly recognize the shape and grab my lip balm for a quick replenishment to my hungry, dry lips.

EOS Organic Lip Balm Smooth Spheres can be found at many major retailers like Wal-Mart, Target, Walgreens and CVS and also at www.EvolutionofSmooth.com

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