Beauty Tip: Epsom Salt

While combing through last month’s beauty magazines, I came across an interesting article. They list 3 uses for Epsom salt. Apart from the regular old uses, such as laxative or for a nice soak, they listed using Epsom salt as a body scrub. As a fan of body scrubs, I couldn’t wait to try it. The recipe to making the body scrub was actually quite easy. Using a bit of your favorite body wash [I used St. Ives] and mix Epsom salt to create the body scrub, using as much or as little of each ingredient as you desire.  Unable to contain my excitement, I hastily mixed the concoction in the bathtub while showering, creating a liquid mess. Try mixing the ingredients beforehand, so you can make the mixture more liquify [more body wash] or a rougher texture [more Epsom salt]. I prefer a more rough texture so I can get a good scrub down.  My homemade body scrub left my skin smooth, but I wasn’t quite satisfied with the results. Perhaps, I am too spoiled with having smooth, soft and hydrated skin after using a body scrub. While I would not use it as a replacement to my current body scrub, I would supplement it with my current body scrub.

Smith's Rosebud Salve Minted Rose Lip Balm

Photo Credit: Rosebud Salve

This lip balm has nice minty smell and in my opinion, freshens my breath. I have read somewhere that lip balm with mint [peppermint as well] properties can cause the cells to swell which cause the lips to look more plump. While, I did feel a bit of tingle, I have not noticed any lip plumping effect. The minty lip balm is a bit greasy if you apply lip balm too thickly. Although, a thin layer dries out fairly quickly, so you have to constantly reapply throughout the day. All in all, I prefer the original formula.

OluvFresh Olive Leaf Body Scrub

As the old adage goes, “Anything that looks bad or tastes bad is usually good for you”. This is the case with this body scrub. It looks like the byproduct of a vegetarian lunch. As disgusting as that sounds, it looks just as bad. Aside from the physical appearance, this scrub really got the job done. It left my skin feeling soft and well moisturized thanks to the essential oils and sugar based texture. The scrub leaves a bit of mess because of the crushed olive leaves, so be prepared for a bit of cleaning up. This scrub reminds me of Fresh Brown Sugar, so if you are a fan of Fresh, be sure to check this out.

Stila IT Gloss - Smashing

While browsing my local beauty supply store, I came across the Stila It Gloss in Smashing for $10. The sheer pink color with iridescent glitter sold me immediately. This long lasting gloss was not too sticky nor dried out my lips. It had enough shine and glitter without making me look like I am wearing a lip gloss from a makeup set made for little girls. Surprisingly, after 3 cups of water, the gloss itself faded away but it left behind traces of glitter and my lips soft.

Pangea Organics Lip Balm Italian Red Mandarin with Rose

This chubby lip balm is packed with Organic oils, vitamins, and essential fatty acids. The lip balm does hydrate my lip and keep it soft. It has a soft flowery smell as well. The only drawback is that the product doesn’t last, I am constantly reapplying every 45 minutes.  

Prada Exfoliating Mask

Prada Exfoliating clay mask is creamy and packed with salicylic acid, honey and rice bran. The mask has a rough texture because of the rice bran. It might cause some irritation to people who have sensitive skin.  I had to rub the mask really gently to avoid redness from occurring.  These individual use packets are super hydrating and leave my skin feeling soft.  While the mask is promising, try Clark's Botanicals Intense Radiance Mask  for a more bang for the buck.

White Rain Ocean Mist Body Wash

Photo Credit: Walgreens

While traveling to Vegas, the airport security confiscated anything more than pinkie size, I needed a cheap alternative. Walking into a Walgreens, I came across this body wash for $1, which I must say is one of the best bargain drugstore find under $5. The body wash has a light fragrance, which leaves barely there after scent. It lathers very well and leaves the skin feeling soft and well moisturized. This body wash perform on par with products 5 times as expensive.

Amika Obliphica Hair Treatment

I have used several hair treatments; many of them leave my hair greasy and tangled.  Thankfully, Amika Hair treatment is not one of them. The lightweight oil leaves my tresses softer, smoother and sleeker all after one application. To use, simply evenly distribute a couple drops of the oil through wet hair or dry hair. Apply before blow-drying to add a bit of sheen and no one can tell the difference between a professional blowout or one that you woke up 2 hours earlier to do.

Burt’s Bees Naturally Nourishing Milk & Honey Body Lotion

Photo Credit: Burt's Bees

Burt’s Bees Naturally Nourishing Milk & Honey Body lotion provides ample hydration to even the driest areas. The creamy formula smells interesting…as in it is not sweet [like milk and honey] nor has a disgusting chemical smell. The smell dissipates shortly after the lotion is applied to the skin. The long lasting lotion goes on smoothly and is absorbed quickly into the skin. The non greasy lotion is packed with Milk, Honey and Vitamin E, along with Coconut and Grape Seed Oils.

Dr. Loretta Youth Fill Deep Wrinkle Filler

Photo Credit: Dr. Loretta

 

As each day goes by, our skin becomes a bit older. In our never ending journey looking the elixir of youth, we tend to settle for the next best thing. While it may vary by each person from Botox to surgery, we all try to undo a lifetime of damage overnight. Dr. Loretta Youth Fill Deep Wrinkle Filler claims to turn back the hands of time and help reduce the appearance of wrinkles.  The company claims its gel formula resembles the effects of injectable hyaluronic acid by smoothing out wrinkles along with lessening the appearance of other skin imperfections using the skin’s own water content. The gel formula feels a bit greasy but once it is applied to the skin it becomes sticky and the skin feels tight. The tight feeling eventually wears off after 30 minutes.  The gel can be left on the skin and rinsed off after 30 minutes or left on overnight and removed in the morning. I personally like using it overnight, since it I believe it would give the product more time to permeate with the skin. After rinsing off the product, I noticed my skin looks more smooth and radiant. Although, I do not think it actually managed to fill in my less than apparent crow’s feet and laugh lines. While it might not be Botox in a bottle, it does seem to improve the overall quality of my skin. Hey, if I can’t get rid of the wrinkles, I might as well have flawless looking skin!

Clark's Botanicals Intense Radiance Mask

Source: Clark's Botanicals

Facial masks are a great way to unwind from a stressful day and to really pamper your skin. I recently read a lot of good reviews about Clark’s Botanical products. Ever since I discovered facial masks couple years back I have been quite addicted to them; So for my birthday, I decided to treat myself  and buy this highly recommended facial mask. 

The mask is formulated with white clay, white genepi [no idea what that is…], alpine plant extract, and algae extracts. I must admit, the mask was quite pricey [$72 for 1.7 fl oz]. Fortunately it didn't disappoint, and it left my skin feeling soft and supple.  I would probably save this mask for when I need intense treatment or when I am in the mood for some serious pampering. For a weekly masks, I would recommend trying sheet mask like Myfaceworks 'I Need to be Firm' Sheet Masks   or mud mask like Wei East Golden Root Renewal .

Burts Bees Lemon & Vitamin E Bath and Body Oil

Source: Burts Bees

During the winter season, it's easy neglect your skin. After all, who will see or can judge your skins condition under three layers of clothes? But even though it is so easy to forget about your skin, sometimes it is good to pamper yourself, especially since the cold weather can leave it much more dry and wry than during the other seasons. The Burt’s Bees Lemon body oil is a perfect treat for thirsty skin. The oil is packed with lemon oil, vitamin E and sweet almond oil. It leaves your skin feeling buttery soft, without leaving your skin feeling greasy. And as an added bonus, it leaves a soft lemony scent on your skin.

IQ Derma Glacial Hydrating Gel Mask

Source: IQ Derma

Many things we do have an impact on our skin, from external factors like the environmental elements to internal factors like stress greatly affect our skin. Our skin has many abilities to help combat these factors such as producing collagen and regulating moisture levels. Even with everyday cleaning and scrubbing sometimes our skin just need a bit more TLC.  Thankfully, weekly masks help us give our skin that extra attention. IQ Derma Glacial Gel Mask claims to hydrate moisture deprived skin to maintain softness and suppleness.  The hydrating gel mask is packed with plant extracts. It recommended to be used 2 to 3 times a week. When I first applied it there was tingly feeling followed by a burning sensation which eventually fades away. Seven minutes later followed by a cool splash of, my skin felt smoother and more hydrated.  While I like how my skin felt after I washed the mask off, I REALLY didn’t like the tingling feeling. I am sure they are other masks that will get the job done with this causing any discomfort.

Mama Mio Boob Tube Bust & Neck Firmer

Source: Mama Mio wwebsite

Ever since the olden days, we have been told that gravity is our friend. As we grow up, we come to realize that this was a blatant lie. Mama Mio Boob Tube Bust & Neck Firmer [wipe that grin off your face!] is here to help!  The company claims “No crinkles or droop, no turtle necks or even turkey necks”.  The product is packed with Coq10, milk thistle, shea butter and essential oils.  I've been using this product for about 2 months, I haven’t notice any firmness in my turkey neck *sigh* or a reduce in droopage [not saying I have any either!]. I did notice my décolletage and face feeling firmer, smoother and dewy. It might not stop the inevitable sag and droop, but it does a good job keeping my skin looking youthful. It has kept my skin looking nourished and moisturized throughout the day.

Smashbox Lip Enhancing Gloss Sheer Color - Tease

Photo Credit: Beauty.com

I love the vibrant raspberry color this lip gloss produces. This non-sticky gloss provides long lasting color but minimal moisturizing benefit. I highly recommend putting on lip balm before applying this gloss otherwise your lips might feel a bit dry later. 

-Andrea

Tarina Tarantino - Disco Nap

I like this glossy lip gloss. It keeps your lips soft like a lip balm and provides a nice sheen like a lip gloss. Disco nap is a clear gloss with pink shimmer. It is the perfect shade for either day or night. The gloss surprisingly stays on for awhile and long after the color is gone your lips are still soft. The gloss also a taste which I can't really put my finger on, its neither sweet or bitter. The packaging in my opinion is lacking, it is only a drawn on bow. I was expecting a bit more from this brand. All in all, it's a nice fairly nice gloss but not really worth $19 dollars.

 

 

-Andrea

Kusmi Tea Paris: Be Cool and Sweet Love

Photo Credit: us.kusmitea.com

Teas have touted many health benefits and have long been treasured by people for centuries. They are packed with antioxidants, contain less caffeine than coffee, boost metabolism and nourish your body. Tea is such a powerful tool that it has even been incorporated into many beauty regime through beauty products.

Photo Credit: us.kusmitea.com

I  recently came across this brand in Dean and Deluca. The brand's exquisitely designed tins caught my attention. The muslin tea bags were quite a treat. The Be Cool had notes of licorice, rose hip, verbena and peppermint. It has a mild taste and smells of sweet mint.  The caffeine free blend is a perfect way to unwind after a long day of work.

Photo Credit: us.kusmitea.com

As Sappho once said "Love -- bittersweet, irrepressible -- loosens my limbs and I tremble". This tea has a spicy smell with a bittersweet taste like love itself. This black tea is blended with liquorice root, guarana seed, pink pepper and ginseng. While the website claim that "Ginseng and guarana bring you energy and vitality, spices aid digestion, and  liquorice delivers a smooth taste", but I don't really notice any difference. I just love this tea because it is a break from my regular black tea. One thing I love about Kuszmi tea bags is that they have vital information how to brew a perfect cup right on the tag itself. It displays the perfect temperature for the water and how long the tea needs to be brewed for, how convenient is that? So what are you waiting for, go get that bestseller brew yourself a nice cup of tea and get the destressing! -Andrea