It’s been said that ladies don’t sweat – they perspire. But we’re not particularly fond of either.
photo: YASU+JUNKO
How to choose from the latest crops on the shelves? Whether it’s stress, humidity or exertion that’s sending your underarms into overdrive, there’s something out there so you don’t have to sweat it. Find your best options to stay dry and keep clothes stain-free below.
Best For Worrywarts:
Degree Clinical Protection Stress Control Antiperspirant-Deodorant – approx. $6
Stress induced clamminess is not the same as heat-triggered sweating, so calming ingredients are incorporated. Scent: Eucalyptus and Lavender.
Best for Everyday Wear:
Dove Advanced Care Clear Tone Antiperspirant-Deodorant, in clear tone pink rose – approx. $7
Calendula and Sunflower seed oils keep armpits smooth and odor-free for up to 48 hours. Scent: a fruity, floral with notes of violet, rose and raspberry blossom.
Best for Dressing Up:
Ralph Lauren Romance Deodorant stick – approx. $20
A deodorant scented with a favourite fragrance helps class up this malodorous area. Scent: Rose, ginger, musk and chamomile.
Or; Clinique Roll-on Antiperspirant-Deodorant (approx. $12) will not ruin or stain clothing.
Best for Long Summer Days:
Dry Idea Clinical Stain Clear Solid Antiperspirant-Deodorant – approx. $8
Made with less wax than traditional sticks have, it won’t cause yellow sweat stains. Scent: white flowers and fruit.
Best for Earth Mothers:
Kiss My Face Liquid Rock Deodorant – approx. $6
An aluminum and paraben free option for those who steer clear of artificial fragrances and chemicals. Scent: None.
Or; Dr. Hauschka fresh Deodorant – approx. $23
Best for Working Out:
Secret Clinical Strength Clear Gel Antiperspirant-Deodorant gel – approx. $8
This light gel formula curbs wetness without leaving a chalky residue on tight-fitting workout garb. Scent: Melon, apricot, linden blossom, cucumber and sandalwood.
DE-ODOR DECODER – the types to know:
Deodorant
Masks the smell of sweat. Ingredients like triclosan control the underarm bacteria that cause BO.
Antiperspirant
Contains aluminum salt, which keeps sweat glands from perspiring. “All antiperspirants are deodorants, but simple deodorants aren’t antiperspirants,” says Susan Biehle-Hulette, Secret’s senior scientist.
Clinical-Strength Formulas
Serious sweat issues used to call for a prescription. Not anymore. “These deliver prescription-strength odor and wetness protection,” says Douglas C. Tomczak, deodorant research and development manager at Unilever.
Botox
Injections of botulinum toxin A — which disables the armpits’ sweat glands — have been approved by the FDA to treat severe underarm sweating.
So I hope this helps you to stay Calm and stay Dry so you don’t have to SWEAT the small stuff.
Other things to consider: you don’t want the scent of your deodorant (should you choose scented) to compete with the scent of your perfume or body lotion so keep that in mind when choosing one.
A space where everything is truly pure and simple.
And white without being stark. It looks very FRENCH (which in itself is a bonus – as in French woman really look after their skin), and it has old world charm. oh, did I forget to say what it is? A certified Organic Boutique and Day Spa right here in Vancouver. A genuine oasis for health and relaxation.
One more thing….the two women who run it are super friendly, not snobby and they liked my dog.
Which is another PLUS factor.
Jaana (left) is a skin care specialist & Claudine (right) is the owner.looking outlooking in
I like to wear a bit of glitter and then take a quick dip
with the new Sephora dip your nails inside instant nail polish remover. So easy and no more need for messy cotton balls. I have their regular remover which is excellent except for when you wear glitter polish. And girls like glitter. It will take it off eventually but after too many trys so I’m glad they came up with this one. I tested it on removing a polish that had two extra coats of Sally Hansen triple shine glitter top coat which is really hard to remove with normal nail polish remover. It worked but don’t be impatient because it takes several seconds. That stuff is very hard to get off. Mostly it works ultrafast and is effective. They claim that it also removes nail patches, all types of nail art, including nail tattoos, and pen marks.
How to use it:
Just a quick dip into the foam and sparkles and nail polish instantly (or almost instantly) come off your fingertips. It comes with an exclusive scrubbing sponge to help remove the toughest products.
What it is formulated WITHOUT:
Parabens and is dermatologist tested. Cost $12
It’s a new portable two-in-one stick that delivers a punch of color to lips and (depending on which shade you choose) can also be worn on cheeks.
comes with a sharpener
What it does: This chunky fool-proof pencil glides on effortlessly and delivers a creamy matte finish (my favourite) to punch up your look instantly. It has a blend of emollients & shea butter which creates a rich creamy texture that allows for smooth application and comfortable wear. The enclosed sharpener ensures a precision application.
I lusted after dusty pink.
Who is Bobbi Brown?
A celebrated makeup artist, she became makeup artist to the stars by introducing a palette of wearable natural hues–and along the way became a star herself, with her name on a global brand. Acquired in 1995 by The Estée Lauder Companies, it is now sold in 60 countries and territories at select retailers. Katie Holmes is the first-ever celebrity face of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics.
Available at Sephora & Holt Renfew Cost $26USD / $32CDN
Rules to Live byAre you guilty of these sinful beauty habits? This divine beauty code will show you the light and can rid you of your wrongdoings and even spark some inspiration for a more virtuous regimen.
GLUTTONY
An excess of beauty products can cause a buildup of expired makeup and create a cluttered routine. It’s far more productive to edit down to only your favorite items. These product shelf lives will inspire you to purge the bad.
Moisturizers can lose their magic after six months. Keep an eye out for a change in color or smell. Nail polish usually lasts about a year. Toss if lacquer gets thick or if color separates beyond return. Lipstick can dry up after about two years. If you have a stock of these, it’s time to replace. Mascara has gone bad once formula becomes dry and clumpy. Invest in a new tube every two or three months.
WRATH
Have you ever achieved the perfect makeup look, only to have it ruined with layers and layers of liner, in an attempt to get the perfect cateye? Been there! Never go full-fury on another winged eye gone wrong again. Get eyeliner tips for the perfect cateye and remember practice makes perfect.
GREED
I love a perfectly stocked beauty shelf as much as the next girl but it’s nice to share the wealth. Try hosting a swap party with friends. This is a great way to get rid of your unused products and sample new ones.
SLOTH
It can be tempting to fall into bed after a long day without washing your face. Don’t get stuck in a whirlwind of bad habits; it will wreak serious havoc on your skin. Try a new nighttime regimen and carry out in this order.
Cleanse with a lathering face wash to remove dirt and oil. Remove any traces of eye-makeup with a water-based remover or oil-based for waterproof eye makeup especially. Exfoliate to rid your complexion of any dead skin cells and buildup. Tone skin for tighter pores and an even complexion. Moisturize for healthy, smooth and hydrated skin.
LUST
It’s great to try new products; you never know what may become your new go-to item. However, don’t be lured by bright lights and pretty packaging. It’s easy to be overcome with the desire to have it all, but do so in moderation.
For mineral makeup with pretty packaging and prettier results: try Mica Beauty at http://www.IntrigueImports.com Mention this blog and receive free shipping with your first order.
PRIDE
This can be seriously dangerous to your makeup and beauty routine. Never be too proud to reach out and learn from others. There’s a wealth of beauty tips out there just waiting to be shared.
ENVY
“There is no excellent beauty that hath not some strangeness in the proportion.” – Francis Bacon
We celebrate the unique facial features that make us…us. Thou shall not spend time coveting others’ looks. Accent the features you love and know what makes you special.
Roc Multi-Correxion 5-in-1 Perfecting BB Cream is a new lightweight single shade BB Cream that’s infused with Roc Retinol. It’s formulated to protect skin with an SPF 25 and while it claims to fight fine lines & wrinkles while improving dark spots, smoothing, evening, and brightening skin tone….it was the high SPF & tint that was the selling feature for me. It goes on light and doesn’t cake which some tinted formulas tend to do – something you definitely don’t want for under your eyes.
It’s a self adjusting formula which offers sheer coverage that evens out skin tone, hydrates, and gives a nice hint of colour. It might help for when the rest of your face is tan but you have that sunglasses whiteout thing happening under your eyes which is not so attractive.
Available at drugstores and pharmacies that sell ROC. Cost: approx. $25.00
What’s in a name? Obviously something that attracts to get your attention. Something that gives an impression of gliding on like a silk stocking or wears invisibly like a second-skin, like lingerie itself.….which appeals to me. A good marketing tool? I had to check it out.
Guerlain Lingerie de Peau Invisible Skin Fusion Foundation SPF 20 – Product Review.
I said I’d never buy foundation but then I came across this one. I think the name “lingerie” appealed to me at first and the fact that Guerlain products are “top-notch”so I had to sample it. The application felt really lightweight (you hardly need any) with a natural-finish and a light to medium coverage. I like that it can be used even as a cover-up for trouble spots only. It’s one of the most natural-looking foundations that still allows for adequate coverage for minor skin imperfections. If you have just a couple of small areas to cover, it is workable to build up coverage on a spot-by-spot basis. The consistency is thin, not so thin it’s watery, but thin enough that it blends out easily and feels weightless once applied. I apply it with my fingers, but you can use a sponge or brush if you prefer.
Its secret: hyaluronic acid, encapsulated in the Bio-Fusion micro-mesh, continuously captures and maintains water on the skin’s surface. The unbelievably silky formula creates a natural radiance that captures and reflects light to reveal the look of naturally perfect skin. Let’s FACE IT…it sure takes a lot of work to look Natural!
It is Formulated without:
– Sulfates
– Phthalates
– GMOs
– Triclosan – Probably some other things we can’t pronounce
Available at Nordstrom and Sephora – approx. $65.00
Mirror, mirror on the phones...who’s the fairest of us clones?
Photo credit: iStock
‘Makeup Genius’ is L’Oreal’s new (and the first ever) interactive makeover APP – the answer to our makeup testing prayers. Virtually it’s a …..well just that – a virtual mirror, giving a larger purpose to our front-facing phone cameras.
No more will you have to wait until you get home to test a product and realize the color isn’t quite right for your complexion.
Make-up testing is moving into the future with the popular global beauty brand making history with the introduction of Makeup Genius. The new app uses facial mapping technology to turn the front-facing iPhone and iPad camera into a virtual mirror that allows women to try on products in real-time. ‘Makeup Genius’ scans L’Oreal Paris products or advertisements, matches the color and allows users to try the shade out on themselves. Created in Clark, New Jersey at L’Oreal’s Research & Innovation labs, the makeup testing app also enables users to try complete makeup looks put together by L’Oreal makeup artists and share their looks on Facebook.
Based on technology previously only used in Hollywood and the gaming industry, Makeup Genius allows consumers to scan a L’Oreal Paris product or advertisement to detect a color match, virtually try on individual products or test out curated looks from expert makeup artists, and share with friends and family on Facebook.
‘Makeup Genius’ is already available for free at the iTunes App Store for iPhone and iPad and is expected to launch for Android users in 2015.
L’Oreal Paris is no newcomer to beauty apps. They already have ‘Color Genius,’ an app that matches your makeup to your outfit and ‘Hair Genius,’ that allows users to create a customized hair regimen and get expert tips and tricks.
My only question: as amazing as this is, can we have an APP that lets us test every other brand of makeup products on the market? Because we’re worth it!
Source: Layla A. Jones, Philly.com & theslanted.com
Marilou Bio is a French manufacturer of certified organic and natural cosmetics.
I was given some with Argan oil to try. Sometimes your skin is extra sensitive or needs a break in between using other products. I had these sitting on my shelf for weeks before giving them a try. They have a lovely smell, the packaging is cute and the prices affordable. They soak into the skin very nicely, are neither too rich nor too light so I would recommend them even though they are not easily available here in Canada.
Product Features :
For anyone who thought argan oil was strictly for moisturizing, think again. Its antioxidants help to restore skin that’s seen better days, improving elasticity, firmness and complexion through intense hydration. Known by the Moroccan Berber community as the “Tree of Life“, the Argan tree has supported the people of these arid regions and their livestock for centuries.
Ingredients:Argan oil (rich in fatty acids, vitamin E, squalene, sterols and polyphenols), Shea butter, and Beech extract.
Organic Argan Oil:Contains anti-aging properties; firming and regenerating effects thanks to the moisturizing powers. This product will help provide a more youthful look and more intensely radiant looking skin.
Based in Magog, Quebec – Neolistic Trade is an ecological and organic certified products importer – distributor & exporting agency with a great reputation for providing premium quality products and exceptional customer service.
Neolistic is devoted to holistic, non-toxic, and natural alternatives to human health.
by now you should be familiar with these luxury hair care products by Moroccanoil
Using black soap won’t make your face turn black any more than using white soap will make your face turn white.
African black soap is a gentle, all-natural alternative cleanser made only from plant materials.Ordinary store-bought soaps can be too harsh or drying for your skin. Proponents of African black soap say it does more than just keep you clean — the suds are packed with skin-loving benefits, too.
THERE’S NOTHING BASIC ABOUT AFRICA’S BLACK SOAP.
Most black soap is made with a blend of Plaintain skin, Cocoa Pod Powder, Tropical Honey, and Virgin Coconut Oil. African Black Soap is most commonly hand-crafted by village women in Africa who make the soap for themselves and to support their families.
The same women who make black soap choose to use only black soap on their babies, as its purity makes it gentle and non-drying for babies’ sensitive skin. In fact, black soap is generally the only soap used in most Western African countries.
Uses of African Black Soap
African black soap contains shea butter, which moisturizes skin but doesn’t clog pores. Shea butter gives the soap some UV-protection properties, but not enough to replace your usual sunscreen. According to Organic Spa Magazine, the soap may fade skin discoloration and dark spots. The soap cleanses gently, so it’s ideal for people with rosacea, rashes, dryness and other skin conditions. African black soap contains plantain extract, which has antibacterial properties that may help treat acne breakouts. Some people use the soap as a shampoo or mild makeup remover.
How the Soap is Made
African soap is traditionally made by harvesting and sun-drying palm leaves, cocoa pods and the bark from shea and plantain trees. This material is then roasted in a kettle at a constant temperature and mixed with oils, such as coconut and palm oil. The soap then cures for two weeks before it’s ready to use.
What makes Black Soap different:
Black soap is made with rare tropical honeys that are known for softening the skin and creating a smooth surface.
Black soap is also a natural source of vitamins A & E and iron. This helps to strengthen the skin and hair.
Black soap contains a high amount of glycerin, which absorbs moisture from the air and literally deposits it into the skin, making the skin soft and supple.
For centuries, Ghanaians and Nigerians have used black soap to help relieve acne, oily skin, clear blemishes and various other skin issues. Many swear by it for skin irritations and conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
Women in Africa will use black soap during pregnancy and afterwards to keep them from getting stretch marks and to protect them from dry skin that is often accompanied by pregnancy.
Black soap can also be used as a hair shampoo. The shea butter in the soap softens the hair, while the vitamins give it strength.
Men can use black soap in shaving. The high shea butter content leaves the skin smooth and protected.
African black soap is unique in that it contains no preservatives, color enhancers, or fragrances. African black soap creates a soft lather without the animal fat additives that are commonly used in soaps made in the US.
Mine came in this plastic container bought in New Orleans. It works wonderfully.
Buy at Amazon.com or elsewhere online unless you go to West Africa or New Orleans.
Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION. 
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