Body
June 4, 2010
Posted by marta
I can’t say that I have found many body lotions doubling as sunscreen that I enjoy using. They are usually too thick and chalky to even consider putting near clothing that hasn’t been put on for the purposes of cleaning out the basement. Or they are greasy and degenerate into sweaty rivulets while doing nothing more strenuous than walking to the bus stop. Drum roll please…. Yes To Carrots Hydrating Body Lotion SPF30 ($14.99).
This cream goes on easily leaving the skin looking hydrated but feeling perfectly dry and cool. No greasy sheen and no chalky streaks from the 10% zinc oxide. I have found that this is a perfect sunscreen for daily use in the city and it is even relatively sweat proof for outdoor sports and exercise. A useful ingredient is kaolin clay. Not only is kaolin soothing, it will help mattify the shiniest of skins. Read more...
May 7, 2010
Posted by copley
When it comes to eating, sleeping, and defecating, babies get the royal treatment. Shouldn’t that same care be bestowed upon a baby’s oh-so-soft, virginal skin? Well, take a close look at the ingredients lists on some of the most mainstream drugstore baby products, and you might wonder, Where’s their poison symbol? Big-name brands like Johnson & Johnson and Huggies seem to have thrown caution to the wind when crafting cosmetics for young skin. Luckily, a lesser-known skincare line named Episencial was developed by a real parent with an eye for affordability, sustainability, and safety for sensitive skins.
One of my favorite books growing up was The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle. So when I saw the packaging of Episencial’s product line–each item sporting its own colorful etching from the book– I instantly had a warm and fuzzy flashback. That feeling did not subside once I got a closer look at the products’ ingredients. Episencial’s range is designed to support the connection between a child’s delicate skin and vulnerable immune system. And if it’s gentle enough for babies, whose skin is less physiologically developed, you better believe it’s equally safe and effective for adults. Read more...
February 4, 2010
Posted by copley
It’s the thought that counts, or so they say. Hallmark wants you to believe that a card will keep your Valentine happy. Godiva and Russell Stover probably couldn’t make it through the year without February 14th. But cards, candy, and flowers are so played out. This Valentine’s Day, think outside the heart-shaped box and surprise your loved one with something he or she can really use. We’ll make that easier for you with our picks for the Five Best gifts to spoil your sweetheart and show your creative side.
Ranging in price from $8 to $48, these gifts don’t require a huge commitment, but still send the message that your heart is committed. There are items that you can use together, such as massage oil or fizzy bath tablets. There are tools and treatments for staying soft and well-moisturized. And there is a brand-new hair care gadget by our favorite celebrity hairstylist. Each gift is equally useful for a male or female recipient. If you want to prove that you are truly an expert on pampering, also check our gift guide for the Five Best beauty products worth the splurge. Read more...
January 25, 2010
Posted by marta
Body scrubs are winter essentials and I have just found a new one that is worthy of inclusion in my patent-pending winter legs treatment program: Trillium Organics Body Polish ($15.99). After using this, I emerge from the shower with zingy (I chose the Fresh Lime) soft skin. As with the fabulous Malie scrubber, there is no need moisturize afterwards. However, I think that Trillium may do an even better job of exfoliating.
It is having a great effect on my decollete, which as you’ll know from the latest Marta This Month is my latest obsession and it is a boon for dry winter legs.
It is surprising that such a simple list of ingredients; basically salt, oil and a dash of citrus. Trillium has used crystalline salt, which hasn’t yet been refined to become sodium chloride and it is an antiseptic as well as exfoliator. Read more...
“It’s a dry cold!” seems to be the motto of the Alaskan winter. With temperatures dropping to -40 on a regular basis and almost no humidity in the air, the ‘dry cold’ that Alaskans promote as a positive weather trend has been less than comforting as I’ve watched it wreak havoc on my skin. After slathering myself in a variety of lotions, body butters, baby oils, and even olive oil (a local remedy), I have found that the best defense against these hazardous conditions is the tried and true, faithful jar of Vaseline 100% Petroleum Jelly ($2.28).
However, there seems to be concerns about the safety of petroleum in cosmetics. So was I on a slippery slope with my remedy or onto a winner with the tried and true? Before I try to answer that, here’s what I’ve been using and how. Read more...
