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

Soul Purpose's Happy Feet Collection

This is the season to get your feet sandal and flip flop ready and what better way than with a aroma therapeutic blend of French Lavender, Mediterranean Mint and other uplifting herbs.  I have been using the Happy Feet collection  by Soul Purpose for a few years now and I have to admit it really is the only product I  have been consistent in not changing.   Once I open a jar my senses are relaxed and ready for a spa experience.  The Happy Feet Collection is made up of four products that are packed with quality organic ingredients that have proven to work far beyond what the packaging says. What that means is this collection delivers multiple uses beyond it just being a foot product.
So here is the breakdown:

Foot Soak - has a  mineral salt base infused with various essential oils from the mint family.  This soak is full of anti inflammatory healing properties so it is great for relieving swollen tired feet and hands.  If your joints give you problems after a long day this soak will aid by helping to increase the circulation and relieving the incurred stress.

Foot Scrub - is great for feet and the body.  Vitamin rich oils softens, nourishes and smooths the skin while gently removing  dead skin cells.   Working this scrub in circular motions on your body will also penetrate those sore tired muscles, leaving you feeling cool and refreshed.

Organic Foot Cream - a wonderful cream  that cools, soothes, and smooths dry cracked skin.  This cream is also wonderful in aiding relief of sore muscles and joints.  If arthritis is an issue this is a wonderful cream that can help relieve the discomfort and stiffness that one sometimes experiences. Also, if you work on your feet all day rubbing the foot cream on your legs will help with keeping your circulation stimulated so when sitting you won't experience leg fatigue or cramping.

Foot Spray - I keep this in my bag during sandal wearing months.  This spray is wonderful for cooling and soothing hot feet, deodorizing sweaty feet, and relaxing tired feet.  The coolest thing about this product is it can be used as a pre treatment for a dry, itchy scalp.  The anti bacterial and astringent properties of witch hazel and tea tree oil  cleans the scalp, chamomile oil soothes, the mint oils stimulates, and aloe heals.  It's just a power packed multi use product!

The mint oils are a key factor in what makes this collection sing.  Here is a quick ingredient & benefits cheat sheet of the mint family oils that can be found in each of the products:
Eucalyptus -antiseptic, soothing, stimulating (promotes circulation) & relieves muscles
Menthol - antiseptic, astringent, soothing & cooling
Peppermint -antibacterial, stimulating, cooling & soothing
Spearmint - cleansing, healing, soothing & stimulating
Wintergreen- stimulating, relieves swelling, & freshens

The products can be bought individually ( price range $12-$30) or as full collection (pictured above, $75)

To aid my in home spa experience I make sure I have a natural bristle foot brush to apply the scrub (work in a circular motion to promote healthy blood flow & increase circulation), marbles to put in the foot bath (rolling your feet on them massages the pressure points and relieves stress), and warm towels( I wrap my feet after I massage so my pores can open up and receive the full benefits of the cream).  My feet are indeed happy after this soul Purpose experience.



disclaimer: i am affiliated with this company however i am not paid  or given any compensation for reviewing products. This is an honest review based upon my use of the is product

Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips Gel Cream Liner

A quick trip over to CVS and look what I stumbled upon, Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips Custom Eye Enhancing Gel Cream Liner, pheew!, now that is a mouthful.  The Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips line was not unfamiliar to me being that the eye popping colors of shadow strips targeted to specific eye color can be found at a vast number of stores.  However, I had never seen a gel liner as part of the collection. For less than $11 you get three nice detachable creamy liners labeled, natural, playful and dramatic.  There is a cool little diagram on the back of the box that gives you an idea on how you can wear each or all three of the liners.  A liner brush comes in the box and although it is not a a bad quality it's size and shape makes it difficult to achieve a defined line.   All in all this is a great buy! The liner is creamy, goes on smoothly, and delivers on long lasting wear.  The only downfall is that I have yet to find it in any other store, so I'm not sure if its exclusive to CVS.  When I checked recently they released a dual pack, the shimmer strip eyeshadow and gel liner for a whooping $14.95  yes, ladies, you need to get on this deal

front and back shots

the stackables come apart

 swatches down with brush included w/ liner

physician's formula shimmer

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)

CO Bigelow Product Review

Since 2007 I have been looking for a facial mask that would compliment my current skincare regimen. I was quite pleased when my girlfriend came over with a bag of beauty goodies for me (Hey, BB!) Inside, I found just what I was looking for and more. The first product I decided to try was the CO Bigelow Power Berry Mask. It's claim, to rescue and revitalize skin is exactly what my skin was needing in a product. My skin has been indeed going through a stage I am still trying to understand. Life changes, age and environment have all caused an instance where my skin and I need to get reacquainted. Dehydration sometimes finds a resting place which aids in occasional acne and a visible slightly raised texture. So in addition to drinking plenty of water, taking daily vitamins and making better food choices, I look for products that will help my skin find its healthy balance.
The Power Berry mask is a light antioxidant rich clay mask, not thick like some others I have used. The smooth texture allows for a quick and even application. The clay delivered a good cleaning and the acai extract kept up its bargain to soften and restore texture and tone. In the fifteen minutes I wore the mask my face never felt tight and after a warm rinse my skin was soft, supple and bright.

A couple of days later, I tried the CO Bigelow Rice & Bamboo Gentle Dermabrasion and must say I absolutely love this product! The rice & bamboo are in a creamy base and when applied to the skin it instantly yet gently removes dead skin cells. You can definitely feel that this product is not lacking on ingredients that both nourish and soothes as it removes debris. I was quite pleased with how bright my skin looked as I worked the product over my face in a circular motion. It's claim to improve tone and texture leaving skin to look perfectly smooth and radiant, proved to me to be every bit of the truth. My skin was never tight or red which sometimes happens when a product is too abrasive. Instead this product produced an amazing healthy glow. This will be a definite staple in my regimen

Both of these products ring in at $18 each. I may get both of them but if not I will definitely spring for the the Rice & Bamboo. It just simply made my skin feel luxurious. Do you exfoliate? what are some of your skin challenges? leave a comment below it might make it into a featured post