February 24, 2014

Stress-free Shopping and Fabulous Pricing at CVS

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As many of you know, CVS/pharmacy is not just your neighborhood pharmacy, CVS offers so much more. Recently, my husband needed a decongestant and it was off to CVS of course, where else would we go. While he was shopping the cold and flu aisle, I was filling my shopping cart with an assortment of items ranging from beauty care to greeting cards and I took just a peek at the never ending assortment of snack and goodies that my daughters can’t resist.

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I was well aware that CVS/pharmacy carries their own brand of health and beauty aids, I just didn’t realized how many there were. Having four children, I know from experience that CVS/pharmacy brand medicines are much less expensive than name brands. I always found the quality to be the same and sometimes the the quantity was more. I also wondered how CVS/pharmacy brand held up to name brands that we all know and love.

I put my daughters to the test because, like many of us, they are always looking for quality along with reasonable pricing. It was the beauty and shampoo aisle that they headed for first. They chose products like shampoo and conditioner with Argan oil, dry shampoo, make-up removers, nail polish removers and moisturizers. They also found  a facial scrub that they liked and that went into the carriage along with our other products. My hushand even found a sale on diet soda and he was pleased.

CVS

CVS

My girls found some of their favorite “must-have” products in CVS/pharmacy brands like CVS Deep Moisturizing Body Wash which is Paraben free, Make-up Remover-Cleansing Cloth Towelettes and SPF 30 Sunscreen, also oil free and won’t clog pores. Other favorites were nail care like CVS Nail Polish Remover, a Nail Polish Corrector Pen and a Cuticle Pen with Almond Oil. The girls enjoy using the products we bought very much.

One of my daughters also made a good point. She said when she runs out of her favorite name brand product and can’t get another one for whatever reason, CVS/pharmacy usually always has a comparable products which works out great for her so everyone wins. Many of CVS/pharmacy brands are 20-30% less than the national brand so why pay more. Visit your local CVS/pharmacy and see for yourself.

http://www.cvs.com

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February 24, 2014

In New York ? RSVP now to attend Butterfly Studio Salon’s “Day of Styling & Story Time”

What a fun & special event to enjoy with your little girl or boy at the
BUTTERFLY STUDIO SALON ON SUNDAY MARCH 2ND!
Don’t miss out on this fun and memorable event!

• Sunday, March 2nd-11AM – 1:30PM

• Butterfly Studio Salon : http://www.events@butterflystudiosalon.com

• 149 5th Avenue (between 21st & 22nd Street) – New York City – Located on the 2nd Floor

• Author and Illustrator SUJEAN RIM will read & sign copies of BIRDIE’s BIG-GIRL HAIR

(Quoted and Paraphrased information in this promotion was obtained from a provided PR-Fact Sheet.)

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February 24, 2014

Moisturize and Save with Vaseline

Vaseline

Moisturize and save in seconds with the following deal from Vaseline. Get up to $4.00 off Vaseline® Spray & Go Moisturizer or Vaseline® Men Spray Lotion.

You can get a $2.00 off coupon immediately and then #SprayItForward by sharing the offer with friends and when one friend signs up, you’ll receive an additional $2.00 off (inclusive of the following products: Vaseline® Spray & Go Moisturizer, Vaseline® Men Spray Lotion or St. Ives® Fresh Hydration Lotion).

Visit the direct link below to claim the above offer (valid from 2/10-3/9):
https://www.facebook.com/VaselineUS

 

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February 24, 2014

Tips from Sam Villa on the Fastest Way to Straighten Hair

February, 2014 (New York, NY) – Anyone who straightens their hair knows it takes both time and skill, and they wish they had more of both. Sam Villa, founding partner of the Sam Villa® brand and education artistic director for Redken 5th Avenueadvises, “slow down to speed up,” meaning slow down the pass with the flat iron so heat and compression can straighten hair faster.

Sam Villa

Sam Villa

Fastest Way to Straighten Hair

·       Clean hair straightens better, so start out with either shampooed hair the day of or night before…or use a dry shampoo. Actually, the dirtier hair is, the more it will smell when compressed with an iron.  If hair has excess oil, that is fine, oil adds slip and helps protect hair.

·       Always work with a heat protectant product, because heat causes damage, products are not an option, they are a necessity to protect hair, reduce frizz and add slip – especially on medium to coarse hair textures.  Apply Redken Align 12 protective straightening lotion to each section before compressing.

·       Wrap dry (brush in X pattern with blow dryer directing heat on top of the brush) hair with the Sam Villa Pro Results Ionic Dryer and Sam Villa Paddle Brush, stretching hair to reduce curl pattern and help smooth (if hair is already dry, skip this step).

·       Section hair in half above the ear, so the crown/top layers are pinned up and the rest is left down.  Very quickly, randomly compress sections in the bottom half with a Sam Villa Sleekr straightening iron – you don’t need to be precise, because no one sees this hair.

·       Take down a section from the top half (all the hair that everyone does see) and pass the iron slowly (remember: slow down to speed up). Hair texture will come into play – coarser textures will take more pressure and a slower pass.

·       Continue taking down sections until the entire top half is straightened.

·       Finish with Redken Control Addict 28 strong hold anti-humidity hair spray, or for compromised hair, apply Redken Diamond Oil Shatterproof Shine.

Super Fast (For those with straight hair from scalp to mid length and texture from mid length to ends)

Using a center part, isolate the hair that needs to be straightened by putting both sides into loose ponytails and compressing with a Sam Villa Sleekr straightening iron.  Just keep the elastic loose to prevent creating a mark and don’t touch the elastic with the iron or it could melt or create a line.

Other tips and techniques can be found on http://www.samvilla.com/how-to/.

Sam Villa is founding partner of the Sam Villa® brand, Education Artistic Director for Redken 5th Avenue and Stylist Choice Award Winner for Favorite Platform Artist and Educator (2012, 2011 and 2007).  He is the pro that teaches the pros how to do hair.  Check out his new consumer website (www.samvilla.com) for hot tips, tricks and techniques for achieving professional results at home, including professional recommendations for the tools needed to recreate the looks – Sam Villa Signature Series brushes, combs, thermal tools and blow dryers. Facebook: SamVillaBrand; Youtube: SamVillaHair; Twitter: @samvilla; Pinterest: SamVillaHair; Instagram: @SamVillaHair + #SamVillaHowTo. Contact: Glow Communications

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February 24, 2014

Enjoy Healthy Deodorants from Lavanila

Lavanila

Did you ever wonder if your deodorant is heathy, never mind working……. Lavanila The Healthy Deodorant Vanilla Lavender puts your mind at ease in both situations!!!!  I am always concerned about the ingredients in my products that I use daily so I dedicate many hours researching many different products.  The prowl for a better, safer deodorant has ended.  Lavanila The Healthy Deodorant Vanilla Lavender is a All-Natural freshly scented deodorant that is completely free of harsh chemicals and it is a safe, effective way to fight odor!  To my surprise, it really works.  I stayed dry all day (8 hours) and felt cool, hydrated, and refreshed.  I enjoy the little hint of its lovely scent once in awhile when I raise my arm!  This deodorant is packed with anti-oxidants and a proprietary beta glucan technology to not only fight the odor but nourish, strengthen, conditioning and soothe the skin.  Lavanila does not contain Aluminum, Mineral Oils, Propylene Glycol, Sulfates, Synthetic Dyes, Petro-Chemicals, Phthalates, or Parabens that could potentially absorb into the delicate underarm area.  Now that is a long list of chemicals you should not put on your arm pit!  It delivers superior, long lasting odor protection with luxurious results which stands up to my heavy work-out schedule!  Goes on clean, easy and spreads well with no sticky wetness.

Soothing essential oils blend with powerful anti-oxidants and beta glucan technology for daily defense and nourishment. Clinically tested. Dermatologist recommended, non-irritating, allergy-tested formula.  Other deodorants cause my underarm to develop a red rash in certain climates. Lavanila Deodorant did not irritate my skin!  No Aluminum. No Paraben.  No Propylene Glycol.  No harsh chemicals.  Perfect substitution for all of the harsh chemical and paraben deodorants out there. I have only tried Vanilla Lavender scent but Lavanila The Healthy Deodorant comes in seven scents which are based around vanilla:  Pure Vanilla, Vanilla Grapefruit, Vanilla Coconut, Vanilla Blackberry, Vanilla Passion Fruit, and their newest scent Fresh Vanilla Lemon.  I feel confident use this deodorant on myself and own my daughter!

http://www.lavanila.com/

Laurie Carcieri

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February 22, 2014

AMBI® SKINCARE Announces its First-Ever Model Search

SHOW OFF YOUR FLAWLESS SKIN AND YOU COULD BE THE NEW FACE OF AMBI®!

Ambi Skincare

New York, NY – February 18, 2014 – AMBI® Skincare, a trusted name in cleansers and moisturizers for skin of color, is pleased to announce the open call for entries to their first-ever AMBI® Model Search. Women ages 18 and older can register online at www.ambimodelsearch.com. The Grand Prize Winner will be featured in a national print campaign, receiving a 3 day/2 night trip to New York City for a professional photo shoot plus $2,000 cash.

“We look forward to discovering the new face of AMBI,” commented Tricia Green, Senior Brand Manager at Valeant Pharmaceuticals. “We are looking for bold women who are confident, spirited and independent; someone who represents the AMBI brand and who is proud of her culture and history. Celebration is the heart of AMBI and we’re seeking someone who embodies just that.”

AMBI® is accepting online entries through April 15, 2014. To enter, two photos – a headshot and a full body shot – must be submitted online. Judges will select the top five finalists from the entries submitted based on appearance and how well they represent the AMBI® brand. After the finalists are selected and announced on April 25th, voting will immediately open up to the general public and will close on May 2nd. The Grand Prize Winner will be selected based on a combination of online votes and the judge’s score.

Weekly product giveaways will also be hosted on the site. Official Rules must be reviewed before entering the AMBI® Model Search. For more information on AMBI® and Valeant Pharmaceuticals, please visit: www.shopambi.com and www.valeant.com.

Abbreviated Rules: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to residents of the United States who are 18 years of age or older at time of entry. Neither Valeant Employees and their families nor Healthcare professionals and their families may not participate. Void where prohibited or limited by law or regulation. Begins at 12:00am EST on 2/15/2014 and ends at 11:59pm EST on 4/15/2014.

For complete details, see Official Rules (by which all entrants are bound) at www.ambimodelsearch.com.

About AMBI® Skincare:
AMBI® Skincare is one of the brands under Valeant Pharmaceuticals North America LLC. AMBI®, a trusted name in cleansers and moisturizers for skin of color, has a legacy of skin care designed to provide smooth, even-toned, flawless-looking skin. Introduced in 1966, the brand has been used by women with richer skin tones for decades and trusted to provide quality products that meet skin of color needs.  The AMBI® brand is best known for its fade creams, which help fade dark spots and skin discolorations to restore flawless, natural skin tone. The brand is part of the Valeant portfolio that also includes Kinerase, AcneFree, CeraVe and more. For more information about the AMBI® brand and to purchase products, please visit: www.shopambi.com.

 

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February 22, 2014

Welcome Laurie Carcieri

Welcome Laurie Carcieri!!!

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February 21, 2014

A Perfectly Messy Bun

 How To Create A Perfectly Messy Bun

When you’re in a crunch and don’t have time to wash, dry, and stylize your hair, one of the easiest ways to look chic and sophisticated without having to use a ton of product is to create the perfect top knot. Creating the perfect not so perfect top knot may sound ironic-but it is a great hairstyle for any occasion. Whether you’re dressed up or dressed down, this day to night hairdo is easy, quick, and requires little practice to master. To create this look, start off by using a large flat brush to comb out any knots or tangles in your hair. Then flip your hair over your head and run the brush through your hair again. This adds a little volume boost while ensuring that your hair is totally tangle-free. While still keeping your hair flipped over, use a hair tie to put your hair in a high ponytail (or wherever you want the bun to be placed on your head). Take the ponytail and twist it around the knot while securing stray hairs with bobby pins. And there you go!

a large flat paddle brush like this works great!

a large flat paddle brush like this works great!

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February 20, 2014

Skin Care Tips for Your Ocean Adventures

Whether it’s on the chilly east coast or the temperate west coast, surfers, bodysurfers and handboarders alike are enjoying the swells this holiday season.  No matter what ocean you jump into, that dry, irritated skin seems to stick with you long after you dry off.  Use a few of these skin care products before and after your time out in the water, and your skin will feel rejuvenated, refreshed and ready for the rest of your day.

Pre-Surf Care: Sunscreen

Nothing is more important that protecting your skin from the sun’s damaging rays.  While frolicking in the surf is an awesome way to spend your day, the UV rays will take a toll on your delicate skin.  Make sure you lather a health amount of quality sunscreen to your face, neck and ears before jumping into the water.  There are two sunscreen brands out there that will give your skin excellent coverage while keeping it healthy.

Raw Elements Eco Protection Sunscreen:  What makes Raw Elements one of the best sunscreens on the market is what it’s made of.  It is made up of only natural and certified organic ingredients.  Raw Elements protects against both UVA and UVB Rays, and it’s good for the environment too.  It’s biodegradable and never tested on animals.  The sunscreen won’t run, get in your eyes or sting while you’re out catching waves.  Plus, Raw Elements gives your skin a serious amount of certified organic moisturizers and antioxidants without clogging your pores.  You can use it on both your face and body, providing you with the ultimate organic sun protection.

Neutrogena Face Sunscreen:  Neutrogena dry-touch sunblock has the power to protect you from the elements while being ridiculously light on your skin.  The sheer, ultra dry protection has an SPF of 45 and protects with Parsol 1789, which is advanced protection that covers both UVA and UVB Rays.  Special dry-touch technology was used to make this stuff, which means your face won’t be shiny when you’re done applying, and you won’t slip on your board when you’re out in the lineup.  Neutrogena sunscreen is sweat-proof and waterproof, but it won’t clog your pores.  The sunscreen’s bounty of A, C & E vitamins will help your skin stay nourished and protected against environmental damage, including sun and salt.

Post-Surf Skin Care

That dry, chapped, itching sensation you get after playing in the ocean means that the wind, sun and sea have gotten the best of your skin.  There are many excellent products out there to help alleviate your skin after a long day in the water.

The absolute best thing you can do for your skin right when you get home from a day at the beach is to jump in the shower and rinse your body with fresh water.  The water will help get rid of any extra dirt and salt that’s still on your skin.  You can also exfoliate with a scrub of your choosing to help remove those pesky dead skin cells that can end up blocking your pores.  Just don’t try to exfoliate if you’re sunburned!  Ouch!  Salt scrubs are usually recommended for those with oily skin, while sugar scrubs are great for those with dry, sensitive skin.

After your rinse and exfoliating, it’s time to replenish your skin with some essential vitamins and moisture!

Shea Butter:  Shea Butter lotion will hydrate and renew dry, depleted skin.  It’s extracted from the nuts of the African Sea Tree, and can soothe sunburn-plagued skin.  Shea Butter contains revitalizing A and E vitamins, and doesn’t leave oily or greasy residue after you apply it.

Aloe Vera:  The Aloe Vera plant is part of the lily family, and does wonders for your skin.  This super plant contains vitamins, including Vitamins A, C and E, folic acid and Vitamins B1, B2, B3 and B6.  It also contains a number of beneficial minerals, like iron, potassium, calcium and magnesium.  It’s known as a vulnerary, which means it helps to heal wounds such as burns or scrapes, not to mention it soothes while it works!  Jason Aloe Vera Gel is a good example of something you can buy at the store and have ready and waiting for your dry, irritated skin as soon as you get home from your day at the beach.

Therapeutic Balm:  Balms like Surfer’s Salve help to heal any cuts, rashes and stings your get, whether they are from reefs, jellyfish, bugs or anything else you may encounter at the beach.  It will also soothe chapped lips and help refresh those serious patches of dry skin you can get from the sun’s harsh rays.

unnamed-12Guest Blogger Sarah grew up in Santa Barbara, California and started swimming competitively when she was eight years old.  She attended the University of Southern California where she was on the women’s swim team and earned a Bachelor’s degree in journalism.  Sarah currently writes for Venice-based, emerging surf brand Slyde Handboards  slydehandboards.com, where she focuses on topics such as surf-related “how-tos”, current surf events and the “best-ofs” of the wave-riding world.

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February 20, 2014

You’ll Have Something to WINK About With Butter London

If I had to choose my favorite thing in the beauty industry, it would have to be experimenting with makeup.  I have always loved makeup because I love to experiment with colors (even hair color).  With Butter London’s WINK Earl Grey Eye Liner and WINK English Rose Cream Eye Shadow you can really bring out the artist from within.

Butter London’s WINK collection is made up of 8 eye liners, 10 cream eye shadows and 6 mascaras in many colors to experiment with.  The two I got to try were the Earl Grey Eye Liner and English Rose Cream Shadow, both very true to color and long lasting.  English Rose is a soft romantic pink cream eye shadow that goes on smoothly and lasts until you take it off.  Not only is it true to it’s color it also has a few specks of shimmer to it to give you a nice added shine.  When I used this English Rose for the first time I used it as more of a highlighter for my overall eye shadow look by placing it on the inner corner of my eye and just underneath my eye brow giving my look a little POP!

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Now the Earl Grey Eye Liner, I have to admit, I was a little nervous to use because my eyes are so deep set that darker colors make them look even smaller.  I was wrong about the Earl Grey.  Earl Grey Eye Liner is more of a charcoal grey that goes on smoothly and does not look black when its on. I have tried many “grey” eye liners and all came out way to dark.  This grey was well grey when I put it on.  Just like the English Rose Eye Shadow, the eye liner goes on smoothly and lasts all day without smearing.  With my deep set eyes I have a little trick for using this eye liner.  I don’t go all the way from end to end on my eye.  I start at the outer corner and stop halfway on my eye lid.  This makes my eye appear larger.  Now as a little added bonus I use grey eye shadow over top the eye liner to give it more of a base.

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When I first used these products  was afraid of my extremely sensitive eyes having a reaction.  I was safe.  WINK by Butter London is a very gentle line and will not cause irritation but if you are anything like me use it little by little. I always use a little at a time to see how my eyes will react and then if I notice what they do I will either proceed or stop altogether.  I had no problems what so ever.  So bring out your inner artist and try all the colors from WINK by Butter London and create your own personalized look.

Visit http://www.butterlondon.com/Cosmetics/Eye/ for all the colors you an think of. 

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