Beauty Radar: Sunscreens For Sensitive Skin

So what's on my beauty radar this month?

I am always looking for a sun screen specially developed for sensitive skin. Or even better a moisturizer for sensitive skin with high (at least 30) sun screen built into it. The latter seems to be extremely rare… However, here are a couple products protecting sensitive skin from the damaging sun rays that I recently came across

Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer SPF 50 for sensitive skin 100% naturally-sourced ingredients, gentle, non-greasy, fragrance-free.


Coppertone Sensitive Skin Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 – with Zinc Oxide, gentle, non-irritating formula


Hawaiian Tropic Sensitive Skin Stick Sunscreen SPF 50 – lightweight, hypoallergenic, oil-free – sounds like a nice conveniently packaged sunscreen! By the way they have a whole sunscreen line dedicated to sensitive skin! This is the first time I find anything like this!

Have you tried any of these? Know of more sunscreens for sensitive skin? Let me know!!!

Dove Deodorant Giveaway Winner

Sorry for the delay with announcing a winner for Dove Deodorant giveaway that ended actually last month on 20 june. Sorry sorry - been extremely busy! The lucky winner is Bryanna Pavlish! Congratulations! She must have received her prize by now! Hope Bryanna is enjoying it as much as I do :-)

Beauty Review: Arbonne Re 9 Advanced Line

Usually I don’t do samples reviews. I have so many full size products waiting for reviews that I have no time to test and write about sample sized products. But this time I made an exclusion. I was contacted by Kellie, Arbonne Consultant. She sounded very excited about the new Arbonne line called Re 9 Advanced and wanted to know my opinion about it. in addition , I have heard soooo much about Arbonne, I was very very curious to finally try it out.

Well let me start by telling you that I was pretty impressed. When you see results in a matter of couple days you cannot but be pretty impressed. But let’s take it step by step. Here are the products I tested:

Smoothing Facial Cleanser
Regenerating Toner
Intensive Renewal Serum
Corrective Eye Cream
Restorative Day Cream SPF 20
Restorative Night Cream

A couple quick words about each product:
Smoothing Facial Cleanser – light consistency, you need a bit to cleanse the whole face, but too much, could make your skin feel a bit dry
Regenerating Toner – pleasant refreshing fluid
Intensive Renewal Serum – light consistency, non oily, quickly absorbs into the skin
Restorative Day Cream SPF 20 – light creamy texture, quickly absorbs, immediately makes skin soft and smooth
Restorative Night Cream – having quite thick texture, it surprisingly absorbs in no time at all and feels very comfortable on the skin. Amazing!
Corrective Eye Cream – medium thick texture, absorbs quickly, moisturizes skin very well and seems to help reduce puffiness - Yay!

After using the Re 9 Advanced line for 2 days I could already see good results: skin looked fresher and firmer, complexion was brighter. Also I noticed that my eye puffiness was much reduced. However I had some sensitivity issues... I would get this burning sensation on my skin. As Kellie explained, what I was feeling was Vitamin C working on my skin. I agree, it could be the Vitamin C to blame for the burning sensation, however this could mean that people with sensitive skin won’t tolerate soem of the produst in Re 9 Advanced very well. Otherwise my impression of Arbonne products from this experience is very very good!

Disclaimer: Author of this blog received samples of the products for a review.

Beauty Shopping: Dior Eye Shadows and Estee Lauder's Bronze Goddess

I just cannot help myself when I see makeup in golden shades... So when my eye caught Dior's eye shadow from their summer 2010 collection Golden Spotlight 616 I could not resist... I just had to have it... It took me 1 minute to think... or not to think it over and I bought it right away... Beautiful... beautiful eye shadow with a wet intense sparkling effect... aaaahhh I love it!

I also decided to get something that will give my skin a more intense color than Shiseido's bronzing daily moisturizer . Since I trust Estee Lauder with my sensitive skin and their quality has never failed me, I decided to give Bronze Goddes Self-Tanning Milk for Body a try. I know I still owe a review for Shiseido's bronzing moisturizer still... sigh... no time but I will do my best!

Beauty Review: Guerlain Substantific Neck Decollete Treatment Spf 10

Promise:
Helps to stimulate the skin’s natural activity, the skin is intensely redensified, regains its natural consistency, plumped from within
Leaves skin looking more even and radiant, prevents the appearance of pigmentation marks

Product Profile in Short:
Non oily, richly textured neck and décolleté treatment enhances and smoothes these delicate areas

Close-up on Active Ingredients:
Active Ingredients:
Octinoxate (ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate) 7.5%
oxybenzone (benzophenone-3) 2.5%
Octisalate (ethylhexyl salicylate) 1.0%,
avobenzone (butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane) 0.5%

Other ingredients:
aqua
c12-15 alkyl benzoate
Isohexadecanebutylene glycol
Hydrogenated coco-glycerides
Glycerine
Steareth -21
Stearyl alcohol
Glyceryl stearate
Cera alba (beeswax)
Aluminum starch octenylsuccinate
Polyacrilamide
Octyldodecanol
Oryzanol
Parfum
Cetearyl alcohol
Methylparaben
….
All the active ingredients mentioned at the beginning are compounds used to block UVA and UVB rays. I like the fact that this décolleté cream has SPF, I wish it was a bit higher than just 10 though.

Experience:
Texture: very thick, not oily
Fragrance: no fragrance

The first thing I notice about Substantific Neck and Décolleté Treatment is the thick texture. It has a luxurious feel to it but I find it too thick and not so easy to massage into skin. So I try applying this cream on the skin still damp from the shower and it works. Substantific Neck and Décolleté Treatment feels very rich but not oily and gets fast absorbed by the skin. The fragrance is sweet and quite pronounced, be prepared! After application the skin feels very soft and moisturized. However after a month of use I didn’t see such dramatic changes in décolleté area as I did when I used Clarins Advanced Extra-Firming Neck Cream. It didn’t start to look smoother… it did look and felt moisturized but that is it.

Price Tag:
100-120$

Bottom Line:
Nice product, but maybe you need to use more than one jar to see anti-aging results.

Read more about Guerlain products

Beauty Talk: How to Get Cute Flat Tummy After Pregnancy

In this post I am continuing to discuss skin care and beauty during and after pregnancy. I have already blogged about my experience with stretch marks and stretch mark creams. Now I want to share my thoughts about one thing that, in my opinion, played a huge role in my postpartum recovery. This important thing is a postpartum girdle! Postpartum girdles are a bit of a controversial topic as there is no direct scientific evidence that it benefits skin and muscle recovery. Most women don’t even think about using a postpartum girdle after they deliver and most of them don’t unless their OBGYN advises. In my case it was my husband who brought it to my attention. In fact, he did a small research online and found out how beneficial postpartum girdles are for abdominal recovery. The beneficial effect of postpartum girdle may be similar to that of a compression bandage or garment which helps to reduce post surgical swelling (edema) and this helps the body to heal faster. A postpartum girdle may also help to bring together stretched abdominal muscles. I got my girdle among other presents under a Christmas tree. It worked great for me. I started wearing my girdle the next day after the delivery. In fact, my OB/GYN put it on me the first time. I would make sure it was as tight as it was when my OB/GYN put it on and I wore it day and night. In a couple of days I could already see the effect – my skin looked tighter and my tummy flatter. I started wearing my pre-pregnancy clothes in 3-4 week after delivery. I wore the postpartum girdle for about a month.


I have to say that I did do some other things that could have helped the recovery. For example I started light exercise routine in about 10 days after delivery, I breastfed and had a very healthy diet because my boy was colicky all the time. I also used moisturizer regularly. However I still believe that my successful recovery was mainly due to the postpartum girdle. In fact we were so impressed with the results that we decided to create a website about postpartum girdles to share our knowledge here at Belly Bands website.

Beauty Review: Dove Daily Treatment Conditioners

Who would know more about damaged hair than a girl who used to bleach hers for more than a decade… Now I try to limit myself to highlights… well, I confess I do quite intense highlighting :-) Which leaves me with pretty dry dull head of hair.

Recently I have been trying out new Dove Daily Treatment Conditioners. I've been using Daily Moisture Conditioner and Intensive Repair Conditioner.

I have to admit I am the product of my generation. I like the idea of “intensive” everything. Because nowadays life IS intense. Don’t you agree? You need results fast: right here - right now. That’s why I actually liked results I’ve noticed after using INTENSIVE REPAIR Conditioner.
Hair looks brighter, feels and looks bouncier. And the volume looks bigger! I also got good results from Daily Moisture Conditioner. Both products use Fiber Active technology - they penetrate deep inside the hair and help to reconstruct damaged proteins. They also contain Micro Moisture Serum which repairs and nourishes hair and helps to seal lifted cuticles to help protect against further damage in the future.

Dove recommends their new line of Conditioners to those who like a diversity of hairstyles and subject their hair to a lot of action like bleaching, blow drying, brushing and styling etc.

While working on this review I learnt that Dove is the Official Hair Care Sponsor of the Glee Live! Concert Tour! Actually Glee’s star Lea Michele is partnering with Dove to promote Dove’s daily shampoos and conditioners. With her help Dove is trying to send a message to all the women saying that they can enjoy doing their favorite hair styles and do their favorite hobbies no matter how damaging they could be for the hair. Check out dovegleeforall.com for more cool details. And you can actually enter for a chance to win a visit to the set of Glee!

FTC Product Review Disclaimer: The author of this blog received a sample product for this review.

Beauty Controversy: Sperm Has Anti-Aging Effect On The Skin

Photo by Sperm Art at flickr.com
What only won’t you slather on your skin in the hope of becoming younger and more beautiful, right!? Oops, wait! Maybe there are limits to the weird stuff we put on our faces. What about recent discoveries revealing that sperm can effectively fight free radicals and have an anti-aging effect on the skin. Some time ago I came across an article in Cosmo (May 2010) talking about the new “wonder drug”. Scientists call it Spermidine – we call it just sperm. It appears, that in addition to semen being effective against depression when absorbed through the walls of vagina, it also increases lifespan of human immune cells. Studies also show that it acts as a powerful antioxidant protecting your skin from destructive free radicals. Guess what… a couple spas are already offering spermidine facials. Thanks God the sperm is not donated by guys from the street but is created synthetically. Finally, according to Cosmo there are already spermidine creams available on the market. Really? Any examples?

Would you use a spermidine moisturizer?

Beauty Review and Giveaway: Dove Ultimate Anti-Perspirant Deodorant

If you remember, recently I made a post on how to get lighter and softer skin under your arms. A couple tips included rubbing in whitening lotion and frequently replacing your shaver… Well, just about a week later I was surprised to learn that Dove actually came out with a new line of deodorants developed specially to take care, moisturize and protect the very area of armpits! That’s a really good idea, taking into account that with all the care you need to take of other parts of our bodies we tend to ignore the needs of underarms skin. We think it needs no care whatsoever, even though we subject the delicate skin in this area to daily shaving which, in fact, thins out the top layer of the skin by as much as 20% and as a result often leads to irritation, discoloration and dryness.

Deodorants in Dove’s New Ultimate line are developed based on a tri-moisturizing system and contain ingredients that provide occlusive, humectant and nourishing effects on the skin. Here is how it works: Humectant draws water to the skin, occlusive keeps the water locked in and the nourishing moisturizer of natural sunflower oil softens and boosts the skin's natural moisture barrier. As a result skin is moisturized and conditioned, soothed and protected and is beautiful, soft and smooth.

Dove contacted me and asked if I would like to try out this new product. Of course, I would! I got so curious! So I’ve tested the Sheer Silk and Light Radiance deodorants. Here is my honest opinion. I usually avoid anti-perspirants with fragrance because my skin tends to get irritated and I just prefer to wear my favorite perfume alone :-). In case with Dove Ultimate Sheer Silk deodorant I had no problem with either irritation or fragrance which is so very subtle and tender… It just has this very very light pleasant floral smell of cleanliness! Light Radiance has a more pronounced fragrance with wooden and floral notes. As far as the texture goes, Dove Ultimate is a solid deodorant but when you apply it to the skin, it feels like a silky cream. The skin definitely feels softer and moisturized. And even though I can’t get into a habit of frequently replacing my razor for a sharper one I had no problem with irritation after shaving whatsoever…

And for the end of my review I saved a couple tips for an at-home spa treatment for your armpits!!! Dove came up with a special treatment and with a special name for a procedure to pamper underarm skin - PitiCure (analogical with pedicure!). First, exfoliate underarm skin with a washcloth, shave under the shower to soften the skin and make sure to use a shaving cream, pat dry and apply Dove Ultimate to soften and moisturize. I guess here is all you need to know to have smooth and soft underarms! :-)

Want to try Dove Ultimate Deodorant for yourself? Leave a comment and tell us what you think of the PitiCure and Dove Ultimate Deodorants. And d0n't forget to let me know your email. The winner will get Dove Ultimate Anti-Perspirant Deodorant in Light Radiance and one more chosen deodorant from the Ultimate line:

Ultimate Beauty Care (NEW Light Radiance, NEW Sheer Silk, Smooth Cashmere, Original Clean)

Ultimate Sensitive Care

Ultimate Visibly Smooth

Ultimate go fresh (NEW Revive – pomegranate and lemon verbena); Burst (nectarine and white ginger); Energize ( grapefruit and lemongrass); Cool Essentials ( cucumber and green tea)

The winner will be chosen randomly. The giveaway is for US residents only and is open till 20 June 2010!

FTC Disclaimer: The author received a free product for this review.

Beauty Find: Personalized Approach to Beauty Shopping at BeautyFix.com

Today I want to share a new beauty discovery. This time it’s not a product, it’s a website with a very unusual but smart concept. Have you heard of www.beautyfix.com? The idea of this site is to provide personalized approach to beauty. BeautyFix.com gives you a chance to use beauty products specially selected matching your profile and your skin’s needs. How does it work? When you become a member you fill out a questionnaire which reflects your skin type, skin issues, age etc. A panel of beauty experts chooses best products each season. Not only do they select their favorites, they also put together a list of products best for you based on your profile. Each season you get a kit of 8 products at the price of 49.9 USD. And as a recent member of beautyfix.com I can confirm that these are really good products by well known brands like 3 Lab and Perricone MD…


Curious? So here is what happens when you become a part of beautyfix community. First I filled out a short survey in which I answered various questions starting with my main skin concerns and finishing with the color of my eyes… then I entered a product area at which point I felt like a kid at a toy store! I’ve put together my kit of 8 products + a makeup bag and now it is on its way! But listen, it gets even more interesting. Members are encouraged to review the products they select and for filling out 2 or more surveys they get a 25$ gift card for glow.com. Wow! Reviewing product has never been so much fun! :-)

My kit has recently arrived and I was really impressed. It is a great deal even though 2 products were not full size. For example, 3 Lab M Lift Cream and Perricone MD Firming Neck Therapy look too small to be full size, they look more like delux samples. But just take a look at all the other products in my kit: IQ Derma Firming Body Gel, Chella Enzyme Exfoliating Mask, 3 Lab Perfect Cleanisng Foam, Pur-Lisse Lip Balm, SPA Face Neroli Water, and beautiful stylish makeup bags. It's still abolutely impossible to buy all the products in the kit for 49.9 USD. It's an amazing deal!


Check out BeautyFix!


Disclaimer: The author of this blog received a sample product for this post.

Beauty Find: Obagi Medical Products

Recently browsing internet in search of some effective serious skin care line I came across information about Obagi Medical and I got curious about a skin care line that’s available only through dermatologists. Hey, that’s serious, right!? Here is what I found out. Obagi Medical though news to me, is not at all new… it has actually been founded in 1990s by Zein Obagi, MD, a dermatologist. His approach to skin care has been criticized by some and loved by others. Today Obagi Medical is a well known popular skin care brand.

What is special about Obagi products is that they offer a multi-step system approach to treating various skin issues like signs of aging, hyperpigmentation, acne etc. Obagi skin care systems allow to adjust treatments depending on the patient’s response to products as well as to adjust intensity as the treatment progresses.

Obagi offers several lines. For example, Nu-Derm system is a corrective system and addresses signs of photodamage. Condition and Enhance System works to prevent future damage. ClenziDerm System fights acne.

I found Obagi products’ concept very logical and would like to try it myself. What about you? Have you ever used Obagi products?

Sources:
Obagi.com
Obagi products
Obagi review by dermstore.com

Beauty Inspiration: Sarah Jessica Parker

With the Sex and The City Movie 2 coming out in just a couple days I decided it was the time for a post on Sarah Jessica Parker, beauty and glamour inspiration to millions of fans around the world.
Born March 25, 1965 , SJP is a successful television and theater actress and a producer. Though she is mostly known for her role as Carrie Bradshaw she starred in many movies, just a couple resent examples include State and Main (2000), The Family Stone (2005), Smart People (2008), and Did You Hear About the Morgans? (2009).
But still for me SJP is all about Sex and the City. For her role as Carrie Sarah Jessica Parker got several awards: she won four Golden Globe Awards, three Screen Actors Guild Awards and two Emmy Awards. Her success as Carrie Bradshaw also helped her to break into fashion and model industry: she became the face of many of the world's biggest fashion brands, she designed and launched her own clothing line Bitten and released several of her own fragrances. Sarah Jessica Parker is also combining an amazing career as a successful actress, fashionista and entrepreneur with being a wife and Mom. She is just awesome and is a role model for many women!


Isn’t it amazing, the charm and power that this woman has! I was just wondering what is it about her that we like so much!? I love her charm, she simply combines uncombinable - she is glamorous, stylish, sexy and at the same time shy, open-hearted, friendly and has this girl-next-door feel to her. She is a dream girlfriend!


I have to say, to me Sarah Jessica Parker looks perfect on the screen, her every gesture, how she walks, holds a purse, tries on shoes is just perfect! I also admire how fit she is. Damn, SJP has a beautiful lean body. Come to think of it, I don’t think I’ve ever come across a mention of her work-out routine: is it Pilates or Yoga or just great genes? Or maybe it’s the ballet training she got as a young girl?
You know what else is inspiring? How damn great she looks for her age!


More about Sarah Jessica Parker
Images source: Fanpop.com

Beauty Shopping: Shiseido Benefiance Eye Treatment Mask and Make Up Forever

Lucky me! Again shopping! This time I came over a sale... This beauty focused store was celebrating some kind of anniversary and everything was 20% off. Well... what do I need I ask myself... I am actually currently again in search of a moisturizer for the summer with highest spf possible (in a mosturizer) and suitable for sensitive skin... they did not have anything to suggest except from Clinique's Superdefense... Sounds interesting... I requested a sample of this to test. However when there is such a sale, you just have to buy something... So I got Shiseido Benefiance Eye Treatment Mask.

I always need a good eye mask and I tried Shiseido's eye masks with Retinol which were very good! And I also finally got myself a good soft gold eye pencil. Yay! It is by Make Up Forever and is exactly what I have been looking for for a long time!

Reviews will follow!

Beauty Shopping: Dior Svelte Body Contouring And Firming Concentrate

Yes, I finally laid my hands on this product. After so much talking and changing my plans I finally got it. I am not at all satisfied with the results I got with Colistar’s intensive cellulite treatment. Before pronouncing that anti-cellulite products just don’t work I am going to give Dior’s product a chance. In addition to helping combat cellulite Dior promises tightening and contouring effects. Dior’s Svelte Concentrate looks and sounds impressing. Let’s see how it works! Don’t miss my review.




More on Christian Dior beauty products.

Beauty Tip: Smoother Lighter Armpits

Have you noticed that skin of your armpits is darker than the rest of your body? Here is a beauty tip I came across in Cosmo Febr. 2010) some time ago but have not yet tried.
Friction from clothes, rubbing and shaving causes inflammation and creates these brown or gray patches on your armpit skin. This problem can be solved with a help of a whitening lotion that contains hydroquinone. Other recommendations include using a new razor every three shaves and slipping on a tee before a sweater.