Hydrating Skincare on a Budget

The cold months are upon us and we all need more hydration to keep our skin looking healthy. This moisturizing duo by Murad is perfect for day time use, and most suited for those with normal to dry skin. The Hydro Dynamic Ultimate Moisture cream (shown here in the large jar) is a very rich and fresh, almost sweet smelling cream. I noticed a difference in the moisture level of my skin, when I did not use it, so it does work. Added benefits of this product are that it improves texture and tone, and is great for sensitive skin.

In the small jar, the Hydro Dynamic Ultimate Moisture for eyes is great for firmness and wrinkle control.

Both of these products provide results lasting up to 8 hours. Results will vary, however, so it is best to try it out for yourself. The cute packaging, and carrying case make this a perfect gift or party favor.

Murad Hydrate for Hope Set

Relastin Skin Revitalizer Review

Taking just a few minutes out of your routine to care for your skin can do wonders for your appearance. Including a facial cream into your beauty regimen will give you more plush skin and a coveted glow that all women want.

This is a glorious and fresh cream that is not too heavy. It can be used in the morning, or in the evening. I preferred to use it in the morning after I was finished in the shower and after I washed my face. It does not leave an oily after residue, so it would be nice to use for normal or combination skin. If you have very dry skin,  you may want to try the Relastin Ultra Emollient cream. However, the fact that the Relastin Skin Revitalizer cream is light, is what drew me to it, and would get me to continue to use it. I wear makeup almost every day, and if a product is too oily or greasy feeling, it does not help my makeup to stay looking fresh, and shine free. The Skin Revitalizer, contains the Zinc Firming Complex, which truly helps your skin to feel rejuvenated, and more youthful.

To learn more, visit www.relastin.com

Solutions for Swim Season

Kaelyn Serra for Perfect Tan Bikini 

Problem: I hate tan lines, especially on my shoulders!

Solution: The Perfect Tan Bikini features signature removable neck and back straps, a secure adhesive top and matching bottoms. Here is how it works: The molded cups of the top have special strips of adhesive that are reusable. The strips are reactivated with the heat of your body or the sun. Just make sure to have very clean and dry skin, with no lotions or oils so the cups will stay in place. You can swim with this bikini and it is hand washable. Each bikini comes with an instruction booklet to help you keep your Perfect Tan bikini in optimal condition. See the manufacturer's website for more details on sizing and cup sizes. You can purchase Perfect Tan Bikini lines at Global Trends.

Problem: I want to extend my tan, on days that I don't lay out.

Solution: Fake Bake Body Polish and Fake Bake Sunless & Skinny sunless tanning products.

Start off by using the soap free body polish in the shower. This fresh scented exfoliator gently buffs away dead skin cells, keeping your skin soft and smooth, and allowing for a more even tan, indoors and out.

At the end of your long day, smooth on Sunless & Skinny for smooth, tightened skin and supple texture. In the morning, rinse off, and you are set.

The color results with Sunless & Skinny is slightly more orange than the original Fake Bake Self Tanning Lotion, but still beautiful. Buy the lotion based on your natural skin tone, similar to searching for foundation shades for your face.

Problem: After I swim or lay out, I want an easy way to make my hair look managed, smooth, but I don't want it to look like I spent hours in front of my vanity.

Solution: Rinse your hair well after swimming with lukewarm or cool water, to ensure all chlorine or salt water is out. Then try CURLS Quenched Curls Organic Moisturizer. This amazing product works on all hair types, and textures, but is great for curly hair. It also works as a second day curl refresher, which saves you time!

I am getting excited about bikini season, and I hope you are too. If you have any summer swimwear, skin or hair questions for me, please send me an email or send me a message on Facebook.

Philip Pelusi Hair Products

Philip Pelusi hair products actually delivers results. What you read is what you get.

"In May 2008, Philip premiered Tela Beauty Organics, the industry’s first USDA certified organic line of hair care products, created in accord with the highest USDA organic standards as well as ingredients that meet the stringent requirements of the US Pharmacopeia."

The Age de phy shampoo and Lite leave in spray made my hair thicker and more plush. These products really transformed my hair when I thought nothing else could help at the time. I love touching my hair again. I am going to purchase their volumizing "Increase Volumizze"shampoo and conditioner, just to try it now, and see how they work for me.

Age de phy shampoo - $29.95 - Very well worth the money spent!!! I suggest you give it a try if your hair is thin, fine, and if you feel like you need a boost of life and volume. A little bit goes a long way in the shower, and the lather is very rich.

Lite leave in hair and skin moisturizer - $13.95 - I've had this since May, and I am still using it, but my bottle is almost empty. This light spray soothes my scalp from itching, and helps mend the ends of my hair, resulting in less breakage. I love it and use it on my children's hair too.

"If Mom envies your thick hair, give her the gift of plumped roots and smoothed out shine with celebrity hairstylist Philip Pelusi’s P2 hair care line, the first hair care line to address all different types of hair from the inside out. These are smart products that multi-task as treatments as well as shampoos, conditioners and styling products (http://www.philippelusi.com/)."

Get Hairless with Silk’n SensEpil

What it does:

This high tech system makes hair less visible over time. It helps to diminish the hair at the root, making it grow back more fine each hair growth cycle.

How it works:

Plug in the device into a wall outlet. Turn on the pressing the button until it “gets ready”. Use the hand held attachment to deliver light pulse to skin, one section at a time, not overlapping as best as possible. There are cartridges that you will have to replace after a period of time. Find out more in the manual or by watching the DVD.

Ease of use and what to expect:

The device is easy to use. It comes with an informative and fun to watch instructional DVD and instruction manual. It is a cute, small system, and has a cord that you must plug into the wall. It sounds a little bit like a blow dryer when in use.

Upon my first use, I was surprised at how simple it was to operate, and how quickly I was able to cover the entire area of skin I wanted to treat . You should have enough time to use it in the morning before work. I was a little scared at first because I didn’t know how the light pulse would feel, but since it happens so quickly, it did not really bother me. The light pulse is pretty bright, so I chose to close my eyes as I was using it. The light pulse feels sort of like a slap or pinch, but it is very fast, so the slight pain sensation goes away very quickly. I started off on the first strength setting (which is advised to do for everyone).

Click over to the Silk'n SensEpil website for more information. The "Before and After" photos are astonishing! They even have a blank treatment diary page that you can download, print, or send to a friend.

Sultry Beauty for Latinas

Make up combinations by Smashbox are perfect for you. The makeup is a little darker than you might be used to seeing for summer, but they accentuate medium to darker skin tones perfectly. To see more looks on different skin tones and with various eye colors, check out the Smashbox website.