Moonstruck in Jersey's Blog

August 15, 2012

Argan Oil

Filed under: Skincare — moonstruckinjersey @ 7:12 AM
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I have been using oil on my skin for years.  I started with an oil from Decleor that I found in Sephora over 12 years ago and I was hooked when I saw how my skin responded.  When Argan Oil was introduced I tried a travel size bottle and knew that we would have a committed relationship.

From http://www.josiemarancosmetics.com – $48.00

What It Is

Argan Oil is an all-natural, 100% organic, chemical-free beauty marvel that really works. Produced from the Argan tree in semi-deserts of Morocco, Argan Oil has been used by Moroccan women for centuries for its nutritional and cosmetic benefits.

Commonly referred to as “liquid gold” or “The Gold of Morocco”, Argan Oil is an incredibly rich source of Vitamin E and essential fatty acids. It has astonishing healing, conditioning and anti-aging properties to keep your skin and hair nourished and revitalized and to keep you looking beautiful from head to toe. Argan Oil is not only a “super food” for the skin and hair but for the whole body. Having twice as much Vitamin E as olive oil including vital antioxidants, Argan Oil plays a major role in a healthy diet and is commonly used in traditional Moroccan recipes.

What It Does

This multi-tasking beauty can be used to:

  1. Soften dry skin — Argan Oil’s naturally high concentration in Vitamin E and essential fatty acids work to alleviate dry skin and rough patches.
  2. Help minimize fine lines — Smooth Argan Oil over skin and under your eyes for intense moisture and to reduce appearance of fine lines.
  3. Help heal acne blemishes and scarring — With regular use, Argan Oil is widely reported to heal existing acne blemishes, prevent the occurrence of new breakouts and help reduce scarring.
  4. Soften cuticles — Massage a few drops of Argan Oil onto your cuticles to soften and condition.
  5. Treat split ends — Rub oil between your hands and smooth through hair to minimize fly-aways and treat split ends.
  6. Give skin a fresh, youthful look — Argan Oil easily absorbs into skin to give you a youthful, dewy glow.
  7. And it’s safe enough for use on your baby — 100% pure, organic Argan Oil is safe enough to use on your baby’s delicate skin to help treat dryness and soothe redness. You can also smooth over your stomach during pregnancy to help prevent stretch marks.

I would add to this list.  We have a pug, Luciano, and pugs have facial folds.  If these folds are not kept clean they start to smell, and worse, become infected.  I use  Agran Oil on Luciano’s facial folds and it does a wonderful job of keeping the folds clean, moisturized and healthy.  Luciano actually likes his morning facial.

Also, a drop on a q-tip removes any makeup application mistake without having to start all over again.

I use multiple products from one skincare line, which I think is a little unusual given the amount of products available, but these products definitely work for me so I am faithful to the brand; however, on those evenings when I am too lazy or too tired to go through the whole routine, after cleansing, of applying serum, eye cream, face moisturizer and neck cream or in the mornings when I am feeling rushed………..I reach for Argan Oil and know that my skin will be protected and moisturized in one step.  The oil is not heavy or greasy, it absorbs instantly and foundation goes on beautifully.

In the Summer I often use it in place of my favorite serum, moisturizer and eye cream  during the day because, with the heat and humidity, I don’t like the feel of multiple products on my face.

You will find that it fits perfectly into whatever your skincare routine is and whatever product line you are using.  It is that versatile.  All you need is 2-3 drops on clean skin and you are all set.  Don’t forget the neck and decollete and use a dropper full when you get out of the shower on still damp skin as well.

Don’t be afraid to use oil on your skin.  It will balance your skin so it is perfect for all skin types.

Trying new things.  Have fun.

Peace

August 13, 2012

Indulge In A Great Shower Gel

Filed under: Beauty — moonstruckinjersey @ 8:01 AM
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If I could, I would try almost every beauty product on the market, but since I , like most people, have very little disposable income; well, you get it.

Given that, every once in a while I like to explore products that are not $100.00 for a sample size.  Right now I am obsessed with shower gels.  This is what you will find in my shower now.

fresh Citron de Vigne Shower Gel

What it is:

A refreshing, foaming gel with vitamins C and E that gently cleanses and invigorates the skin.

What it does:
This Bath & Shower Gel contains moisturizing shea butter to nourish dry skin and antioxidant-rich vitamins to soothe and soften. It is infused with an effervescent citrus scent inspired by France’s Champagne region.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
– Parabens
– Sulfates
– Synthetic Dyes
– Phthalates
– GMOs
– Triclosan

The smell is very subtle, not sweet or perfume-y, and does exactly what it says.  Sephora, 10 oz for $18.50.

Korres Basil Lemon Shower Gel

What it is:

A creamy foam shower gel with hydrating ingredients.

What it does:
These beautifully scented, creamy shower gels provide a moisturizing effect and help maintain the natural moisture level of the skin. They contain emollients and humectants that provide a lasting moisturizing effect and help to maintain the natural moisture level of the skin.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
– Parabens
– Synthetic Dyes
– Petrochemicals
– Phthalates
– GMOs
– Triclosan

There is nothing that does not taste or smell good with basil and lemon, so to be able to shower with this scent is just perfect.  Your skin will feel moisturized and the scent does not linger, so there is no interfering with your trade mark perfume.   Sephora, 13.53 oz for $19.50.

Shikai Shower Gel

These shower gels moisturize as they clean so your skin feels soft and smooth all day. The exclusive formulas combine natural colloidal oatmeal, rich emollients and gentle cleansers. The oatmeal binds moisture to the skin soothing it and leaving it itch-free. Use as a body wash in a shower or tub.  Rich in aloe vera & colloidal oatmeal. Gentle, soap-free formulas. Smell does not linger. Whole Foods, 12 oz for $8.50.

Nubian Heritage Coconut & Papaya Shower Gel

Coconut & Papaya Body WashSweet-scented and nutrient-rich, the Nubian Heritage Coconut & Papaya Collection pays homage to the bounty of natural tropical ingredients. The coconut palm has touched all aspects of daily life for millions of tropical communities. Since the 1st Century B.C., the coconut tree has provided shelter, transportation and, more importantly, food. Coconut Oil, high in vitamins, minerals and fatty acids, is an excellent skin softener and protector. Papaya contains papain, a naturally occurring enzyme, used for centuries to gently dissolve dead skin cells, loosen pore blockage and stimulate circulation.Benefits: Antioxidant-rich Coconut Oil is easily absorbed into the skin to protect the skin against damage by preventing free radical formation. Coconut Oil also strengthens connective tissues to prevent sagging, wrinkles and blemishes, and helps reduce skin inflammation. Papaya enzyme exfoliates, stimulates circulation and firms skin. Shea Butter and anti-inflammatory Comfrey Root extract promote healing.Usage: all skin typesNatural Aroma: sweet, tropical.  Soap free.

Anything with coconut is just good for you and, again, the smell is amazing and does not linger. Whole Foods, 13 oz for $10.99.

Bagno Di Vita

A fresh, revitalizing, foaming bath and shower gel. Gently frees deep-down impurities while moisturizing skin helps create a more even textured appearance.
What it does
  • Natural botanicals of thyme, comfrey, chamomile and cornflower help soften and condition the skin
  • Hazel, Sweet Almond, and Olive Oils offer an aromatherapeutic bathing experience
  • Formulated with our Acqua di Vita® Complex, which provides intense hydration
How to Use
  • Use daily in shower or bath.
  • Apply all over body with hands, sponge, or washcloth.
  • As a special treatment: Pour under tap to create a rich, foaming bubble bath to de-stress and relax.

This is a little pricey, but once in a while I do indulge as this product smells like you are at a spa and being pampered. Borghese, 16 oz for $33.50.

Give one or all a try, variety is a good thing.

Peace

August 11, 2012

butter LONDON

Filed under: Nails — moonstruckinjersey @ 8:39 AM
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I love nail polishes, who doesn’t, so I am always looking for the next new best.

I, like everyone else, think OPI is a great brand and it’s usually what I purchase along with an occasional investment in a great Chanel polish.  Lately, since I no longer do acrylics or gels, I have been looking for healthier polishes to go along with my healthy nails.  I have tried Zoya numerous times, and it is “4 free” (it has no formaldehyde, toluene, DBP or camphor), but it has absolutely no staying power.

Next I found Julep, also “4 free”, and I joined their Julep Maven, a box of polishes mailed to you each month.  Great colors and the bottle and brush were easy to use.  I don’t always polish my fingernails, but I used the polishes for a couple of months on my toes and they looked great.  I go to a salon for my pedicures and the nail tech did tell me the polish was a little thicker then she was used to working with.  When I did decide to polish my fingernails, my experience was less then satisfactory.  The polish was so thick that I found it very difficult to apply, but the real problem was that my nails took almost two hours to dry……. but they were actually still soft after all that time and as soon as I started to use my hands, the polish was a mess.  I am thinking that the pedi took that long to dry as well, but I just didn’t realize as it is flip flop season.

I called Julep and canceled my subscription.  I now have eight bottles of polish I will never use again.

Then I started reading about butter LONDON, http://www.butterlondon.com

butter LONDON was founded in 2005 by Sasha Muir and it developed a passionate cult following by transforming catwalk trends into custom nail lacquers.  In addition to creating a range of bold, runway-ready hues, the London based brand was a pioneer in selling non-toxic nail formulas in the United States.  All butter LONDON lacquers are “3-free” – meaning they are formulated without formaldehyde, toluene and DBP.

I found butter LONDON on QVC.com and at Sephora.com and every review was better then the last.  (I should have read the reviews before purchasing Julep – usually I’m a little smarter then that.)   I made my first purchase from QVC, http://www.qvc.com ,  as I knew that if I didn’t like it, used or not, I could return it.  butter LONDON offered a starter kit of Nail Foundation Flawless Basecoat, a choice of color and Hardwear PD Quick.  Just an FYI, QVC is not selling individual colors at this time.

As I mentioned, most of the time I wear my nails without color, but I always have color on my toe nails.  When I do feel in the mood for a little color, it would be nice to get a few days wear out of it.  Three or four days would be perfect as by then I am bored and looking to change the color.  That is exactly what I got with butter LONDON.

The bottle and brush are easy to use. The Nail Foundation, in the bottle it looks exactly like foundation for the face,  is the base and gives the nail a smooth sueded look.  I would even wear this on its own for a matte look.  The polish I chose was Yummy Mummy, which is a neutral beige  – something I never wear – but have now fallen in love with.  It went on beautifully and each coat dried within two minutes to the touch.  I then used the topcoat, Hardwear PD Quick, which gave the nails a shiny coat that was almost dry instantly. Within fifteen minutes of starting the mani, I was done and gently using my hands without damaging the polish.

I had this color on for almost five days before I took it off to try another color – no chips – and I used a 10X magnification mirror to check.  I get about three days wear from OPI..

I cooked, cleaned, keyed on a computer, walked the dogs, did laundry, etc, etc and it lasted!

I have since tried Big Smoke which is a gorgeous midnight blue, Chancer which is a beautiful red,  the limited edition Heavy Medal Metallic Trio which consists of gold, silver and bronze metallic polishes and Wallis, which is an olive khaki. These polishes all lasted four + days.  I am awaiting The Black Knight which is a heavily glittered jet black polish.

This  is The Old Bill which is a bronze metallic.

This is Wallis which is an olive metallic.

I am so pleased with the fact that this brand is “free” and durable. Not something that “free” polishes can usually claim. The colors are cutting edge and the ladies realize it is not OPI as I had friends and strangers ask me what brand of polish I was wearing.  It is a stand out brand that I love, love, love.

Give your natural nails a healthy treat ( or use on your acrylics because the colors are great).  I think you are going to be very surprised.

Peace

Sephora – $14.00

August 9, 2012

Clarisonic

Filed under: Beauty — moonstruckinjersey @ 8:30 AM
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I wrote a post a while ago about a cleanser, Eve Lom, that I love and use at least four times a week.  I had mentioned that I also use something else to cleanse and the Clarisonic is it.

Clarisonic is a waterproof, rechargeable skin cleansing system. It is a patented sonic technology that gently removes the impurities traditional cleansing methods leave behind.  It cleans pores, loosening dirt, makeup and oil as it reduces the appearance of pores and wrinkles.  Clarisonic cleansing is proven to remove six times more makeup then traditional manual cleansing with finger pads, allowing for serums and moisturizers to absorb better.  It is so gentle that it can be used twice a day.

To use the Clarisonic, charge for 24 hours prior to first use. Then remove your eye makeup.  I skip this step as I just wet my face and use Purity Made Simple by Philosophy which I put all over my face and eyes (use with your favorite cleanser ) – DO NOT USE the Clarisonic on your eyes.

Wet the brush head, press on/off button and gently massage the face in small circular motions, beginning on the forehead and moving to the nose, chin and cheeks.  Hold the brush head flush to your skin, but don’t press too hard or you will impede the motion of the brush and not get the full benefit of the Clarisonic.  The Clarisonic will let you know when the cleansing minute is up.  The brush head should be replaced every three to four months.

Rinse and pat dry and your skin is now ready for your favorite skincare products.

I purchased the Clarisonic Face and Body over five years ago and this uses a cradle to charge.  It is about 7” long and came with sensitive, normal and body brush heads.  I use the normal brush and when I need to replace, that is what I purchase.  I have never used the Clarsonic on my body except for the decollete so I really can’t speak to how it works.  This brush has low, normal and high power settings.

I love the way my face feels after I use the Clarisonic.  It is clean without being stripped, feels very smooth and looks dewy.  All good for this girl!  As I mentioned before, I am 60 years old and I have no wrinkles and I really believe that the Clarisonic is part of the reason why.  It is like having a facial at home everyday and that is not a bad thing for your face.

I loved it so much that last December I purchased another, Clarisonic Mia 2, which is a little under 6” inches long.  It comes with a link charger, which saves room on the vanity, and a travel case.  This brush has two speeds, low and normal.

I use the Clarisonic every morning in the shower and my makeup practically puts itself on as my skin is just so clean and smooth.

No matter what else you use on your skin, this is the starting place.  I highly encourage you to give it a try and I know you will be hooked like so many other people.

Yes, it is an investment, but I am positive you will start saving money immediately as you will be using much less of your favorite skincare line to produce the results that you are looking for.  Nothing works if your skin is not really clean.

Try it!

Peace

QVC.com – Clarisonic Plus for Face and Body – @225.00

Sephora – Clarisonic Mia 2 – @149.00

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