Cosmopolitan March 2013

Skin Changing Antioxidants

Green or White Tea - when applied to skin, teas neutralize free radicals before they’re able to penetrate and do damage.

Vitamin C - it ups skin’s natural SPF, fades spots, and stimulates collagen. Vitamin C is unstable unless it’s coupled with vitamin E.

Sulforaphane - found in broccoli, it boosts your body’s natural antioxidant defenses and has anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties.

Vitamin E - not only does it neutralize free radicals, but it also helps preserve cell membranes and heals the barrier, the first line of defense in prevent moisture from escaping.

Julep Nail Polish - Hartleigh

The holographic top coat has specks of white hexagon glitter, holographic glitter dots and red heart shaped glitter. The top coat can be use by itself or as a top coat. The glitter was a bit chunky and most of the red hearts glitter was stuck on the bottom. It took several tries it the hearts out. With two coats, the nail polish provided full coverage but the glitter does feel a bit rough. I usually apply a top coat to make the glitter less rough and to keep the hearts in place but it makes a bit thick and then the polish chips more easily. Overall, its nice by itself or as a top coat for roughly a day or two before it chips.

Levels Natural Shower Bomb

This was the first time I ever heard of Shower Bombs.  But being an avid fan of bath bombs, I figured I would give this a try. The gluten free shower bombs were easy to use. Just drop them near direct water away from the drain. Each bomb was packed with organic menthol, eucalyptus and tea tree essential oil to relax and clear away stress. I love the bombs, they felt like being at a spa but private in home experience. I wouldn’t recommend using these as bath bombs as the mint might causes some unwanted tingling sensations. The minty scent was not super strong and I love how relax I felt. I used these when I was feeling a bit under the weather and I usually perk up right afterwards. Even though each shower bomb is individually wrapped, I recommend using them as soon as possible because the first two I used right away within 2 weeks apart and I forgot about them until 2 months later and they didn’t smell as strong as before. One of the shower bombs was so weak, I didn’t even realize it was in the shower with me until I accidentally stepped on it.   

Mally Beauty Evercolor Starlight Waterproof Eye Liner - Sailor

I have been a long time fan of Mally Beauty's eye liner. They are creamy smooth and once they go on, they stay on! If you want to smudge the eyeliner you have a quick 30 seconds after application otherwise the product stays put. I do like even though it doesn't run, crease, smudge or budge  -- it is still easy to remove with makeup remover. The navy blue eyeliner had a bit of gray glitter which works both for the daytime and a smokey look for the nighttime.

The Body Shop Chocomania Sugar Body Scrub

What better way to celebrate the holidays than with chocolate. This deliciously chocolate scented sugar body scrub is packed with cocoa butter and organic cane sugar. The sugar scrub removes dead skin cells, stimulates circulation, and leaves skin feeling softer and smoother. I love how soft my skin felt and the sweet chocolate scent on my skin. If you love chocolate and body scrubs, you  should definitely give this a try.

Bliss Lemon & Sage Soapy Suds Body Wash + Bubbling Bath

I bought this travel size version for one my weekend trips and was so glad I did. The scent was very lemony but it was quite sophisticated and didn’t smell like floor cleaner. I am guessing that because of hints of sage blended in. I also like how you can use it as a body wash or as a bubble bath. I have only used it as a body wash and I absolutely in love with it. The body wash gives a generous lather and leaves my skin feeling super soft and smooth while leaving my skin delicately scented. My only qualm is the bottle was a bit hard and when I used both hands, nothing was coming out but when I used one hand the product came out more freely. I am hoping they did that intentionally so you don’t squeeze out too much product at once. I do have a really bad habit of using a lot of product for everything. When they say use a dime size, I use a quarter size.