Pooka Pure & Simple Review

Pooka Pure and Simple is an absolute hit in my house. The products were tested by the men (well, one man and two boys)in my life as soon as they came out of the box.  Immediately, we were all impressed with the light smell and the fact that it was a multi use product (great for hair, scalp AND skin)  The Shea & Olive Hair butter went to work on keeping  afros soft, fades polished, and waves shining.  Everyone's skin was looking mighty fine also.  This immediate attraction sent me straight to the cabinet to read and try the products for myself.  I had been dealing with a winter cold and my skin and scalp were in need of some serious tlc.  Pooka Pure and Simple came to my rescue.

Shea and Olive Hair Butter is nice, light and blended to perfection.  A creme like texture that glides on and breaks down easily along the hairshaft and on the scalp.  You don't have to be concerned about oily residue because the product totally absorbed when it was applied.  A major plus for me is how great it has been on my son's skin. He tends to have eczema flare ups when the winter season rolls in.  The Shea & Olive Hair Butter has kept his itching at bay due to it's moisturizing  and soothing factor.  This product has been assigned to a neutral spot because it has already made it's way out of the house via hubby's bag.

Nectar Hair Oil & Treatment  is a great treatment oil. I used it on my scalp during a stimulating massage.  My scalp had been extremely itchy when I was midway through my severe cold, so I applied this oil then massaged my scalp and wrapped my hair up so my body heat could aid in the absorption.  The essential oils oils of lavender(soothing & calming), peppermint (stimulating) and lemon (antiseptic) eased my scalp and also helped for a better night sleep.  I think the lavender buds and rosemary floating around in the bottle has my son just over the top about this product.  Everyday, he request a few drops to rub into his hair.  I don't mind one bit because after he is done there aren't any oily handprints around the house and his hair and skin look and smell great.

Pooka Pure and Simple's collection extends to bodycare, footcare and candles.  The price point ranges from $10 (single product)- $70 (gift box).  The quality and combination of  ingredients + benefits = WIN! 

*this product was sent to me by a rep for review consideration

A Gorgeous Find: Organix Cosmetix Eye & Neck Cream

On a recent trip to TJ Maxx I decided to check out the skincare because I have been on the lookout for a new eye cream.  The winter months caused some drying under my eyes and along with my inherited morning puffiness it's just not a good look for the start of my days.  So my quest for a thoroughly hydrated and smooth eye area had me reading the labels of every eye product on the shelves.  I was quite unimpressed with most of what I saw but I'm glad I didn't give up because Organix Cosmetic Eye & Neck Cream caught my attention once I hit the bottom shelf.  
The side of the box read NO:
-SLS, Mineral oil, Silicone
-Emulsifiers like peg
-Carbomers
-Parabens
-Synthetic perfumes and dyes
-Fatty alcohols or acids
-Propylene Glycol
-Isoproyl Myristate

I'm thinking, if all of this was removed from the previous eye creams I read they would just be bottles barely filled with water.  My interest was piqued for sure now. This aloe based cream is infused with shea butter, organic oils & Swiss plant extracts that nourish, protects and soothes.  BINGO! it is just the product I have been looking for and it cost $7.99.  Oh, and the little spoon that comes with it is a plus (keeping your fingers out of the product reduces product contamination) Now fast forward five weeks, I have been using this product and I love it.  The cream glides on smoothly and has a cool sensation as it absorbs quickly.  My eyes are no longer dry and the puffiness disappears within 20 minutes after application. When I feel really tired and my eyes need a pick me up, I apply the cream under my eyes then place a cool towel over top for about 5 minutes.  I get a quick relaxing moment and my eyes are rejuvenated.  This was indeed a great buy.

I did a quick search online and depending on what site you buy it from the price ranges from $14.99 -$79.99 .  So again, this was indeed a GREAT buy! Check your local TJ Maxx first.

me one morning after using cream: no makeup, no puffiness

Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion Review & Giveaway

A few months back I was asked to try Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion. I went over to their website to read about the product and my inner geek went straight to the ingredients page before I read anything else. You see I can have an experience with a product just by reading the ingredients. Immediately I saw that this lotion was one that was light in texture (water & aloe base) provided a protective barrier( 2 silicones) and delivered benefits like: hydrating, healing & soothing (vitamin E & herbs) Now per my previous post on reading labels all of these ingredients ranged from top to middle of ingredient list. So that means that this product might actually deliver on their claim: "Shielding lotion is a lotion that forms a protective barrier on the skin and keeps out irritants and chemicals. It also allows the natural oils and moisture to remain in the skin so it can heal better.

The product arrived and I was ready to give it a try. I had my husband try it first as the site said shielding lotion is great for the whole family. Upon applying the lotion hubby says "this stuff is like silk, goes on real smooth", he sniffs, gives a nod of approval and continues to use the lotion. I asked could he smell it and he said it was very slight so that was another plus for him since it didn't smell "all girly". Next I tried it on myself and my children. At first I felt like the lotion was too light in texture for my taste but that is only because I tend to use heavier creams during the cold months. The first week of using it, I needed to reapply during the day to aid the dry skin but by the next week not as much. The shielding lotion seems to respond as a treatment if used consistently. My toddler son developed a new case of eczema and I used this lotion as a reinforcement to aid in restoring back the moisture level in his skin. I have to say that the anti inflammatory properties really did deliver when I used it on my son. He had a serious flare up and when I used the lotion the inflammation went down which in turn smoothed the texture of the skin. So all in all I was pleased. I did try the product on my face and it was OK, my face didn't feel tight, dry or greasy. I wont be switching it out for my daily moisturizer but it is good to know if I need a quick little moisture pick me up I can grab a little of the shielding Lotion (with SPF 15). Honestly, my final impression of this product is that it would be a good staple to keep in my summer beach bag. A nice light textured lotion that will sooth, heal and protect skin from the sun exposure (comfrey ,chamomile extract and SPF) Now, the price tag on this product does sparkle a bit, 4oz for $18, $25 for the one with SPF. The site states that the product will last 1 to 2 months with daily use. Personally, I would probably buy it again since it was useful to my whole family and I feel it is what we all would enjoy during the summer months.

The Skin MD Natural though it has the word natural is not a 100% natural product. There are ingredients that are man made, derived from a natural source. The company does a good job of explaining their position : Why is Skin MD called "natural" (scroll down to bottom of the ingredient page) I have to admit this is probably one of the most honest explanations I have seen in a company give on formulation in a long while.

GIVEAWAY:

Skin MD Naturals would like to give you the opportunity to try their product. Go over to their site (click here), they have a lot of really good information, come back and post a comment(w/ your email address) telling us something you read of interest. One winner will be randomly selected and the company will ship you a full size product YAY!!

(contest will end April 22,2010)

Earth Therapeutics Moisturizing Toe Socks Review & Giveaway

So I was in Kohl's a few days ago browsing makeup and accessories when I came across Earth Therapeutics Moisturizing Toe Socks. I was so tickled at the hydrating gloves for feet. The product claims that the aloe and vitamin e infused into the ultra plush sock will continually moisturize, pamper and provide serious all over hydration to the feet, even between the toes. Can I just tell you?, these socks are so soft I could not put them down. I grabbed two pair and came on home to try them out. Now, I am not a stranger to sleeping in socks especially during the cold seasons. I always have cold feet so if I don't treat them with moisture nightly my feet will look like I walk on broken concrete( so not a good look in cute shoes!) First,I follow the directions which says "for best results massage feet with favorite moisture lotion before slipping into socks" Then, totally amused, I slipped each toe into its own compartment; all complied with its assigned slot except the pinky toe. The little joker did not want to separate. Seriously, I had to massage to relax the toe that seemed to be having separation anxiety. I finally got them into the slots and ten minutes later the last slot went limp. Pinky slipped out and I laughed and massaged until I finally had all toes comfortably in the slots (see pic below). This was a great purchase. I would have liked the socks to be a bit more toasty but the socks are 97% nylon not cotton which i think plays a role. All in all I think even after the infusion is gone (lasts up to approximately 20 washes) these socks which are extremely comfortable will remain a part of my nightly routine.

Now, as I mentoned above I bought two pair of these socks and I would love to send a pair to one of you. Even if you don't like to sleep in socks you can always use these as a nice pamper treatment when you are moving around the house. Leave me a comment with your email address and a winner will be selected randomly ( ends wednesday, march 10, 2010)

*disclaimer: this product was purchased by myself. my review is solely based on my personal use of the product and i am in no way affiliated with this company

earth therapeutics socks

Vitamins and our Skin

Protecting my skin from the elements has always been important to me. I remember when I was a kid, my mom and Nana would slather Vaseline all over my face. Had me shining so brightly but I couldn't feel a thing when the wind blew, a live walking oil slick. No chapped skin, blemishes or wrinkles, just shiny, baby soft skin. Well, the years have past and the climate has changed drastically. Age, motherhood and the environment is taking it's toll on my skin. I am not always a good girl with following the rules of : take a multi daily vitamin, eat well balanced meals and drink plenty of water. So to help balance out my shortcomings I pay attention to my vitamin intake via my skincare. I understand with all the ingredients loaded in a jar claiming to do this, that, and the other how can one possibly know what will work for them. I wanted to help by creating a simple cheat sheet on the benefits of some vitamins commonly found in skincare products. So here is a little vitamin 101.
Vitamins are nutrients that play a major role in the health of our skin. It is important that we ingest vitamins through various foods and supplements as well as incorporate them in our daily skincare. Correct intake and topical use will aid in keeping the skin healthy and resilient. A deficiency, due to lack of vitamins, can leave the skin dry, oily, blotchy and/or lifeless.
Vitamin A: (retinyl palmitate)protects against aging, dry, and rough skin by retaining moisture; also soothes and conditions
Vitamin C: (ascorbic acid) most potent vitamin, anti-toxin, promotes healing, rejuvenates the skin, and protects against UVA &UVB damage
Vitamin E: (tocopherol acetate) causes cell regeneration, aids as protection against skin damage, and is healing
Vitamin D: produced naturally in the body by the suns ultraviolet rays; absorbs into the skin and regulates calcium absorption
Vitamin D3: (cholecalciferol) a form of vitamin D that aids in the assimilation of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin A
Vitamin K: (phytonadione) aids in blood clotting. this vitamin is used more in eye creams that help to lighten dark circles. it's said to perform best when paired with vitamin A
Vitamin B5: (panthenol) retains moisture and aids in skin cell metabolism
Niacin - (b complex vitamin) anti inflammatory, soothes irritated, dry skin, and retains moisture
Don't forget proper diet and nutrition is a ESSENTIAL for gorgeous, healthy skin!!
hhmm, I'm curious: the skincare product that you absolutely love, turn it over and tell us what vitamins are in it. who knows we may come to love it too!

skin supplements

From Beverage to Bath Spa, a time of relaxation!

When I have time to myself at home where I can relax I usually grab a nice beverage, warm blanket and a book, journal or movie. This weekend I started thinking of an old pastime that has been but a distant memory, a relaxing bath. Oh, how I remember, the flickering of candles dancing silhouettes to the soft sounds of jazz while exotic scents infused in hot water embraced and relieved all my stress. The very thought just makes my heart flutter. See, I have been stealing extra seconds in the shower here and there (you know you have to be quick before the kids and husband come knocking..lol). But I declare, NO MORE!, I have to recreate this spa experience again. Who's with me? I'm going to share how you can make a nice spa bath with some common beverages that will save money, have you relaxed and your skin looking gorgeous.

Fill your tub with hot water (not too hot) because you don't want to scold yourself and some beverages will not smell good if the water is too hot.
add:
Milk - 2-4cups (gently cleanses, exfoliates, softens & moisturizes)
* you may have to wash your tub after milk bath due to the fat sometimes the tub feels a little oily
Green tea - steep 5-6 bags and add it to your bath ( full of powerful antioxidants & vitamins, soothes, nourishes, & rejuvenates cells)
* you can put the tea bags in very hot water in the tub for 10-20mins
Red Wine - 1 cup ( rich in antioxidants,hydrates, moisturizes & protects)

You can add honey, olive oil and/or some fragrant flowers (lavender or roses) to really punch up the spa experience!

* soak yourself up to 20 minutes, rinse skin off with a quick cool shower to close up those pores, then pat dry.

(photo courtesy of picapp)

bath spa

Bobbi Brown Lip Tints spf 15

My favorite lip tints are back for the holidays and in FULL size aaaaaand my favorite shades. Oh, i always keep a tube of the Bobbi Brown Lip Tint SPF15 in my purse. My lips have a tendency to peel so finding a good product that delivers on benefits and beauty is a plus for me. Despite the rich looking hues in the tube, these colors are soft and sheer so they wear well on every skin tone. A nice mild and refreshing minty thing going on but none of that "sting" you get in some lip products. I don't like my lips throbbing for the sake of beauty and good texture. So this has been in my mix for some years now.

how i wear them:
Cherry - by itself for some sheer color or over a lipstick i want to gloss up or give a a bit more color. It looks gorgeous over bronze.
Blossom- when i want gloss but no color or i use when i want nude lips (mute the lips out with some concealer and powder and then apply blossom)
Twilight - most of the time i mix this with another gloss or lipstick
Bobbi Brown's Lip Tint spf 15, $28

bobbi brown lip