Posted by admin on October 12, 2009
This really useful wire-rimmed bathtub caddy is a real treat if you are a bathtub gourmand. Personally, I love my nice evening baths, where I can set up my candles, wine, books and fun bath salts and bubble treats. This caddy actually has a place for all those things.
It’s made of a “satin nickel finish” with a white plastic coating on the part that rests on the tub ends. There are two trays on the side for bath toiletries (soap, cleansers, hair products), a center area with a book holder, and two swing-out arms to hold your candle and wine glass. How cool is this!
What I Like Best – The caddy is nice looking and it doesn’t take up much space (my husband and I leave it in the tub permanently, and even when we shower at the same time the caddy is still not in the way). When bathing, the caddy holds my book without me having to worry that it will get wet. That’s a big bonus.
The caddy also has internal extenders that stretch out to accommodate a tub of up to 38″. The plastic coated sleeve prevents rust stains on the tub sidewalls.
And Not as Much – The little swing out arms are a cool concept but I haven’t used them as much as I thought I might. Usually I bring a book to the bath, and it’s hard to read by candlelight. If you are not a big bath reader, then the candle holder is a super-neat concept that really adds to the romance of the bath. As far as the wine glass holder, it’s made for the typical wine glass, (the kind 99% of people use). Unfortunately, I have unusual wine glasses that don’t fit in the holders. I just might have to make a run out to Goodwill and get a wine glass JUST for the tub! And grab some aromatherapy-type candles while I’m at it. Yes, Goodwill is a great source for gorgeous, unused candles if you look for them. 
Overall – I love my bathtub caddy, which is, as mentioned, now a permanent fixture in the tub. It really helps me have a relaxing bathing experience. I even use the caddy to hold my regular shower necessities, which adds to my limited tub shelf storage. I bought mine at Bed, Bath and Beyond for around $45. The caddy would make a pretty thoughtful gift for anyone you know who loves their tub, or for shower lovers who need a bit more toiletries shelf space.
Posted by admin on October 5, 2009
This is an outstanding sunscreen and may even be what I have been waiting for my whole life. That might sound extreme, but I might actually be in love with this product.
Doctors and skin care professionals tell us we need to wear sunscreen every day – rain, snow or shine – to prevent skin wrinkles, skin cancer and hyper-pigmentation. Sunscreen is an essential skin care element, and actually, the most important cosmetic you wear.
I have been searching for a sunscreen that doesn’t feel gloppy on, won’t make me break out, is easy to reapply and pleasant to use. This SPF 70 sunscreen wins on all counts!
First off, Neutrogena Fresh Cooling Body Mist Sunblock comes in a spray container. You press the nozzle and a very fine mist comes out. The mist dries instantly, leaving no sticky residue. No need to rub anything in: you totally forget you have this on.
You can stick this can of sunscreen by the door to spray on your arms, neck and face on your way out each morning. There is no longer any excuse to *not* wear sunscreen every day.
My husband, who has a skin condition and needs to wear sunscreen daily, will actually wear this product without making a face. That’s worth a lot to us right there.
Secondly, this spray is very pleasant to use. There is a clean subtle scent, and you feel a lovely cooling sensation as the mist touches your skin. On hot days it feels great!
Thirdly, with this sunscreen you can actually get sun protection into the cracks and crevices normally missed, like around the ears, the back of the neck, the bald spot on top of someone’s head.
The directions do NOT encourage spraying this product on your face. This is probably because the manufacturers don’t want anyone breathing in the sunscreen or getting it into their eyes. They instead suggest spraying it on your hands and then rubbing it on your face.
I have found it works just fine if you close your eyes, hold your breath, and lean into a burst of mist you spray into the air in front of your face. This feels nice with the cooling effect, and makes a nice even layer of sunscreen over my entire face.
Putting the sunscreen on in this manner is a GREAT way to make sure you have sunscreen on every day, even if you are already wearing makeup. You can do your daily morning “face” with a moisturizing facial sunscreen, then makeup, then a spritz of this sunscreen to “set” and protect your face. You can even reapply the sunscreen throughout the day, without needing to remove and re-apply makeup!
While I have nothing but raves about this sunscreen, I wonder about the cooling sensation *after* summertime. In the dead of winter, I am not sure I’ll want a “cooling mist.”
But this is really a minor quibble in a dream-come-true cosmetic. I believe I will actually be able to wear sunscreen *every day* for once!
Neutrogena Fresh Cooling Body Mist Sunblock with Patented HelioplexTM Technology , SPF 45, 5 Oz
Posted by admin on September 28, 2009
Lush makes bathtub treats for the body that look like bakery sweets and smell divine. Plus, they’re calorie and carbohydrate free. If you’ve even been gifted with a bath bomb from Lush, you need to know how to use them to get the full sensual experience.
Lush’s bath bombs are mostly round, highly scented, usually very colorful and bursting with little random bits. The bits can be many wondrous things: candy confetti, dried flowers, rice roses, shiny pieces of mirrored plastic, cloth butterflies, cocoa butter, rolled up love notes, sand, chunks of salt, seaweed or cinnamon sticks. 
Sand? Cinnamon sticks and candy in the tub? It does sound very strange. Somehow, whatever they put in each bomb makes sense when you see it and smell it in the tub. Rose buds unfurl to the scent of rose absolute with a love note scroll. Very romantic. Salt and bits of seaweed explode from the turquoise delight of the Big Blue bomb. You feel like you’re relaxing in the tropics.
It’s important to know just HOW to use these bath goodies, since they aren’t cheap. A single bath bomb costs from four to seven dollars US – just for ONE single-use product. So you don’t want to waste it. It’s very much worth the price when you do it properly.
How to use a Lush Bath Bomb:
1. Fill your tub first. Don’t put in salts, or oils, or bubbles or anything. Most important, DON’T put in the bath bomb yet! Wait. Fill the tub to readiness, then turn off the faucet. 
2. Feel the water. Are you ready to get in? Hold the bath bomb in your hand, above the water and step in the tub. Sit down. Relax.
3. Carefully lower your hand and, while sitting in the tub, lower your bath bomb into the water with you. You are actually sitting in the tub while the bomb does it’s thing. 
4. Watch the explosion! Some bombs set off fast and furiously. Others gently simmer for a longer period of time. Watch the fun, smell the scents and enjoy the bits that end up floating around you. It’s a party in your tub.
5. Take the rest of your bath while enjoying the neat colors, scents and sensations given off by your bath bomb. 
If you want, you can save the bomb before it’s gone and get a second use out of it. Just take it out at the half way dissolving point, and let it dry for later use. Or just let it go all the way for a fully decadent experience. Many bombs have neat little treats in the center, which you’ll only get if you let it go completely anyway.
Some people allow the bathtub to remain filled with the colored, scented water after their bath, so the scent spreads to the rest of the house all day. This is fun to do if no one will be bathing immediately after you. I often let them sit overnight so my house will smell lovely the next day. 
Some of the bath bombs do make ugly little rings around your tub that need to be scrubbed out. They seem to come out most easily with a bit of shampoo on a washcloth, swiped around the rim. Different kinds of bathtubs react differently when it comes to leaving a ring; you will need to experiment for yourself. Porcelain is different than fiberglass.
Not everyone appreciates bathing with bits of flower petals swirling around them, or having to get them all down the drain afterwards. You can place your bomb in a tied piece of sock or pantyhose to contain the pieces if you prefer. I myself enjoy the bits – they add to the exotica of the experience, and I did pay for those weird but satisfying scene-setting pieces after all.
Here is a picture link to the most popular bath bomb Lush makes, with a rice paper rose that unfurls from the center, while you relax to the scent of jasmine. The full catalog of other bath bombs can also be accessed from their website. If you click on the picture below, it takes you right to Lush. Or use this link here:Lush Bath Bombs
Posted by admin on September 21, 2009
Many of us have lots of extra bathroom toiletries kicking around. It’s common to keep multiples of lotions, scrubs, shampoos, deodorants, soaps, facial masks and other spreadable potions under your bathroom sink. Well, it’s time to use them up or pass them along! Let’s clear some shelf space and make sure that everything you see in the powder room are things you LOVE to use.
Let’s use body lotion as an example. Go through your lotions, pull them all out, and decide which ones you actually love and use. Put the rest in a pile and decide how much is left in each bottle.
Is this a brand-new bottle you will never use?
If so, this might be a nice present for someone else. People love care package baskets – make up a basket of nice things for a housewarming, birthday or hostess gift. Use as a stocking stuffer. Or try selling the product on eBay. Believe it or not, lots of people buy and sell their toiletries there.
Is there 3/4 to 1/2 of a bottle of lotion left?
In this case, pass them along. Donate the lotions to Goodwill, or ask if your friends or children would like them. Goodwill is a very good source for nice things to pamper yourself at a fraction of the new price – someone will be very happy to buy your slightly used luxury products.
Is there 1/2 to 1/4 of a bottle left?
For smaller amounts thrift shops just toss them, I think. But this is the perfect amount for you to hold onto for travel uses, to pack in your camping kit, or even to take backpacking. A mostly used product will weigh less in your bags and you might even get to use it up on your trip (less to carry back home).
Is there only 1/4 or less left over?
Make an effort to use these products up, right in your home. Make it a goal. With our lotion example, you can place nearly empty bottles in the kitchen, in the laundry room, in the spare bathroom, on your vanity, in your car, and in your purse (for those mini-bottles). I have a lotion on my dryer that I use before handling dry clothes – it keeps me from getting a shock in the winter, and reminds me to use more hand lotion in general.
If you really don’t think you can use up all your leftovers, then take a deep breath and just chuck them. It’s really better than having tons of products just kicking around forever, taking up space and nagging at the back of your mind.
Resolve not to buy more bathroom products until you use up the ones you have. This can be tougher than you’d think. Sometimes you are just attracted to a new lotion in the store (Mmm, almond scented!), or you get a facial at a spa and end up buying the nice scrub they used. Try to remind yourself you will only end up with excess that you will have to deal with later.
Helpful Clutter Books from Amazon:
Posted by admin on September 14, 2009
I really wanted to like this lip product. I love lip balms and lip care products, and I enjoy Lorac’s makeup. A full stick of healing Vitamin E, in an elegant lipstick tube, sounded ideal – I could carry it in my purse and apply as a quick fix lip moisturizer when on the go. 
Unfortunately, the Vitamin E stick just doesn’t *feel* right. It’s thin and slippery. I don’t get the sensation that anything soaks into my lips, nor does it feel like it provides a comfortable protective lip residue. It doesn’t last for more than a few minutes. Finally, it goes on more like a like a thin lip gloss or a colorless lipstick than a balm.
I like to feel like a lip comfort product is going to stick around on my lips for an hour or two (unless eaten off, of course). I want to feel a somewhat thick, soft, smooth protective coating, and I want my product to take the edge off dryness or any chapped feeling. The Lorac Vitamin E Stick doesn’t give me any feeling of hydration or comfort. Despite the packaging’s moisturizer-loaded claims, the stick certainly does nothing for chapped lips.
I had to wrestle with myself in spite of this – should I return it? For one thing, I love the packaging. The black & silver lipstick-like container is elegant and classy. Not that packaging means anything when it comes to product effectiveness, but it’s still a psychological element in using cosmetics.
For another, I wanted a stick tube for my lips instead of a pot that I have to stick my finger in – and this provided that.
I decided to return it. The highly touted Vitamin E represented in the product is actually relegated almost last in the ingredients list. The cost is too high to justify using a product that Vaseline, or a cheap ugly tube of Chapstick, could do better.
My favorite lip balm is by Go Smile, and provides Vitamin E, shea butter, cocoa butter, chamomile, has several antioxidants (like vanilla, which provides a lovely, light flavor) and is loaded with Retinol. The Go Smile balm is wonderful, but comes in a pot. I have to stick my less than sanitary fingers in it, plus I managed to break off the top, so now the compact-style container is no longer travel-friendly. I was hoping the Lorac Vitamin E Stick could replace my imperfectly-packaged Go Smile product.
I live in the arid western United States, where a layer of lip balm is a constant necessity. So I am sure this is influencing my experience with the balm. Please take that under advisement – in a more humid region this balm might be perfect for someone.
I’d recommend the Lorac Vitamin E Stick only if someone really appreciated a thin, barely-there lip coating…or if someone desired a completely clear lip gloss that was actually GOOD for your lips (as it does contain some of the antioxidant Vitamin E, even if in tiny amounts).
Read more about Lorac’s Vitamin E Stick and the Go Smile Lip Balm I discussed at Amazon.com:
LORAC For Lips, Vitamin E Stick .12 oz (3.4 g)
| GO SMILE Smileceuticals Balm .21 oz (6 g)
Posted by admin on September 7, 2009
Hot Pants Cosmetics is a makeup company inspired, as per their tag line, by fashion. Their line of new sexy Lip Lust lip glosses is well-thought out for today’s woman, with fresh colors, sassy names, a bit of plumping action, and lip gloss tubes complete with LED light and mirror.
Hot Pants recently sent me a nice treat for review – a small clear lipstick bag with fluffy pink boa around the top. Cute. Inside were two stylish lip gloss colors: a fun, pearly pink called Palin Pink, and a rich shimmery red dubbed Obama Berry.
I could easily see either Sarah Palin or Michelle Obama looking good in their namesake lip gloss colors. Some real thought went into selecting appropriate colors for their skin tones and personal styles. Although I could not imagine either of them wearing something so shimmery on the campaign trail, I could indeed see these ladies wearing the Lip Lust glosses for a night out with Tom and Barack.
Some Interesting Lip Lust Lip Gloss Features:
- The tube cap lights up. This is a neat trick: when you draw the wand for your applicator, a small but bright LED light shines perfectly on the wand. Useful for clubbing and other low light applications on the go.
- A good sized mirror is affixed on the side of the lipstick tube. Coupled with the LED light, you can reapply your gloss anywhere. No need to wait in line for the mirrors over bar bathroom sinks. The mirror is even large enough to give the rest of your face a quick once-over for hair and face touch-ups.
- Lip Lust uses peppermint and sandalwood oil to irritate lips into plumping up. While I am not a fan of adding irritants to one’s delicate lip skin, plenty of Aloe Vera and Vitamin E was also included in the formula, to act as healing agents for long-term use. I could not detect much tingling, overall. This was very thoughtful design and gets the kiss of approval from me!
- Lip Lust uses a cool trick to add even more fullness: they have added gentle oils, permitting the illusion of thicker, fuller – and softer – lips. The cottonseed oil, squalane, sweet almond oils and soy protein spreads evenly into lip lines, creating a shiny seal for a wet and pretty pout.
- The shimmer derives from medium sized mica particles. Is this good? I’d say the shimmer walks the line between too obviously glittery and too subtle to be noticed. Now to decode what I just said: young people will appreciate the opalescence here, while those with more mature features won’t have to worry about looking ridiculous.
- Does the color last? Well, no. It’s a lip gloss, not a lipstick or lip stain. With the light and mirror, though, reapplying is a simple matter.
- These lip glosses have a very interesting scent and taste. After much thought, I decided the gloss smells like cake batter. Yum. I prefer unscented makeup, but this is really a delicious scent and much more “grownup” than the overused strawberry scent more commonly found in lip glosses.
Altogether this line of lip gloss gets high marks! Between the antioxidant ingredients like Vitamin E and Squalane, to the rich shimmery colors and fantastic package design, Hot Pants offers a top notch gloss product for clubbers, partiers and anyone with a addiction to pretty shine and color.
Hot Pants Makeup and Lip Lust Lip Gloss can be found at Hot Pants Cosmetics.
Posted by admin on September 3, 2009
Plenty of cosmetics stores offer free, fun makeovers to people who simply walk in and ask for them. One key about these freebies – accept that the store clerks are going to all this effort to introduce you to their product lines. You DON’T have to buy anything and you do not have to tip them (this is part of their job).
Of course, a sweet thank you will be appreciated; smile and tell them what a nice job they did. Then simply ask for a list of what products they used on your face. Tell them you’d like to walk around and see how you feel, and that if the products work for you, you will be back. You might even get some free samples to take home!
My Top Five Shops for Fun, Free Cosmetic Makeovers
1. My favorite shop for cosmetic makeovers is Origins. Origins will give you both a luxurious facial PLUS color makeup makeover for free. You can call ahead and ask for an appointment, or just wander into an Origins shop and ask if they have time for you that day.
The Origins people will sit you down in a comfortable anti-gravity chair and apply cleanser, scrub, moisturizer and a facial massage while you bliss out. Then they discuss color with you and apply Origins makeup products and show you the look they created.
Unfortunately Origins shops tend to be few and far between – only really upscale malls usually have a dedicated Origins shop. When you DO find one, I really suggest you take part in this nice experience.
2. Sephora stores are much more commonplace and you can get a killer makeover at any one. Find a saleperson you like and ask if you can get a makeover. What is super fun about Sephora is that you have so many brand lines to play with. You can mix and match between brands – say, using Stila lipgloss, Urban Decay eyeshadow and Cargo blush – or you can ask the makeup artist to stay within any one brand line you want to get to know. I had a Two Faced makeover once that really introduced me to some enjoyable cosmetics. I even had a Dr. Brandt facial at one Sephora (during a Dr. Brandt event – check your local Sephora to see when line-specific events are on the docket).
3. Bare Minerals can be purchased at Sephora stores, but if you can find a dedicated Bare Minerals shop, you’re in for a treat. The Bare Minerals makeovers involve people using luxuriously silky cosmetic brushes on your face, with such a wide variety of lovely mineral powders that it’s like being in a candy shop. Tell the clerk/makeup artist what kind of look you are going for – dewy and natural vs evening glamour, a smokey eye, a bronzed beach look, whatever, and let them get to work.
4. Nordstroms has so many makeup counters that it’s bewildering to choose just one! The truth is, any Nordstroms counter will give you a free makeover any time…and they even have a calendar list of special events where professional brand makeup artists will be on hand for the makeovers. It pays to sign up for their updates if you enjoy free makeovers. My favorite Nordstrom’s makeovers were at the Bobbi Brown and Prescriptives counters.
5. Macy’s is similar to Nordstroms, if a tad lower on the classy end of the ladder. That said, the makeovers are just as nice. I’ve had wonderful makeovers at the Macy’s Clinique and Benefits counters. And a nice thing about Macy’s are the freebie-with-purchase offers they run all year. If you are in a buying mood, make sure you know what free gifts are up for grabs that month.
Runner’s Up Makeover Shops
Aveda, like Origins, offers a very nice natural makeup experience. In my experience they are not set up very well for makeovers, but they will do a nice job when you ask for one. Aveda has good makeup choices for women of color, offering some rich and unusual shades made from exotic ingredients from fair trade around the world. Their lipsticks have subtle color tweaks that look fantastic with my olive skin.
Last, but not least, are the fun, fanciful Lush shops. While you won’t get any color makeup, you can get a relaxing aromatherapy facial, free for the asking. You can choose from many foodie-type facial masks (one looks and smells like brownie mix), some bizarre-but-cool scrubs (one has sea salt, vodka and lime in it – and smells like a margarita), and a variety of nicely scented moisturizers full of essential oils. Scent-sensitive people will NOT want to enter this store…but for everyone else, a visit to Lush is like going to a party. They even host real parties in the shops each month! Ask to get on their email party list if you enjoy Lush products.
Remember, do not feel pressured to buy anything, no matter how much you like your makeover or the salesgirl/guy. I prefer to walk around a bit and see how much I like the color under different light, and to see how it lasts over the hours. You also need time to see if something makes you break out! If you do buy something and regret it later, all of these fine shops will cheerfully refund your money. Have fun!
Posted by admin on July 1, 2009
This summer, splash into the latest trend: mermaid-like waves. This glamorous yet laid-back style is perfect for all summer occasions, whether you’re lounging on the beach in the Hamptons or hitting the town in Manhattan.
Suki Duggan, owner of the Donsuki Townhouse Salon on the Upper East Side, shares her tips on how to create this style yourself:
- Section hair into 1-2 inch pieces.
- Rolling each section and pinning as you go.
- After the rollers have cooled, run a comb through your hair to get large, soft waves.
- A spritz of hairspray should hold the style for the day.
Short hair? Get long Mermaid Hair Extensions in Seattle, or ask print this page out and ask your local salon to create the tousled, alluring style you seek.
This look reflects the Mermaid Style Trends focused throughout the Summer 09 Sephora Mermaid Looks Catalogue.
Keep abreast of this trend and don’t cut your locks off for summer this year! Instead, be playful, and don’t be afraid of the pool.
Jewelry Note: this trend calls for shells, starfish fetishes and looks from the sea for adornment, in necklaces, bracelets, hair jewelry and rings…be creative and think MERMAID! Here are some sea-inspired jewelry looks that draw rave reviews from my catalog…see page 12, pages 18-19 and also 4-5, under “view the catalog” (scroll down a tiny bit on the bottom left).
Posted by admin on June 18, 2009
Lipgloss is one of those all around favorite cosmetic items, no matter who you are. From light shiny clear glosses to thick, rich, colorful slicks of shine, there’s a gloss for everyone. 
Lip Balm – Usually a thick, waxy protective substance for lips that are cracked or peeling, lip balm often provides a touch of shine. Lip balms can add moistness and sometimes a hint of color, as in Burt’s Bees Lip Shimmer
and Bobbi Brown Lip Tint SPF 15
.
Lip Gloss – While a gloss can certainly have healing and soothing qualities in the formulation, the main purpose of a gloss is to provide shine and often, some color. Glosses are usually somewhat lucent (as opposed to opaque, like a lipstick) and can contain glimmer, glitter, shimmer or just a clean wash of color. Lip gloss can worn be over a protective lip balm, over a solid lipstick or lip liner…or simply worn alone, as is.
Lip Stick - Lipstick can be glossy or matte, but its main appeal is in how it provides mostly opaque color coverage to the lips. There are mattes, metalics, creams, shimmers and even ones with built-in lip glosses and/or balms in the center.
How to Apply Lip Gloss:
You apply lipgloss right from the tube, wand, rollar ball or brush directly onto lips. You could also use your finger or a lip brush if the gloss comes in a pot/jar.
Begin by rolling lip gloss to your bottom lip and roll it up over the top lips. perfect application is not as important with lip gloss as it is with lipstick since the color is usually less intense – thus it’s more forgiving to simply apply gloss and go. No need to blot – the shine is supposed to be there!
With lip glosses, frequent application is important – most glosses wear off quickly from talking, eating, drinking and just moving along in your daily activities. 
The best lip glosses have a protective sunscreen SPF built in, a wide range of color tones for different skin shades, and include healing antioxidants in their formations.
Many companies are getting hip to adding healthier ingredients to their glosses. BalmShelter
has a great line of SPF 17 tinted glosses, and Tarte (pictured above and left) leads the pack in experimenting with formulas packed with vitamins, healing oils and antioxidants.
I appreciate the companies that are realizing a gloss can be more than just shine and color! Protection and healing from the aging effects of the sun is like adding a super-power to an already beloved product. Here are a few of the glosses I prefer from Tarte at Amazon.com:
* Tarte 24/7 Lip Sheer SPF 15
* Tarte Vitamin Infused Lipgloss .2 oz (5.7 g)
Posted by admin on June 16, 2009
I was excited to see that Cosmetic Review Journal was the number 2 Google search this morning for the search phrase Cosmetic Review. All is well in the cyber world when Google loves you! 
I was right behind the link for Paula Begoun’s Cosmetic Cop site, which just thrilled me: she is my cosmetic guru. She doesn’t rate the makeup, lotion or sunscreen on how it looks/acts on her – she researches the ingredients, the claims and the hype of each product, and derives a more scientific point of view on the cosmetic in question. She’s basically my first and last go-to for discerning whether I actually WANT to put something on my face.
While this site doesn’t aim to replicate her perspective, I think what she does is just fabulous. Cosmetic Review Journal recognizes that sometimes a fun product is worth using in spite of not living up to the hype. For example, Lush products are, as a rule, FULL of known irritants. But, yet, Lush products are incredibly fun to use. If one takes into consideration that a Lush product is a sometime treat, it can be incorporated into your lifestyle.
It’s like lip plumpers. They work by irritating your lip skin, no matter how “natural” the irritant is. It’s not a good idea to wear it everyday if you want to keep your lips looking young and fresh! Yet, I won’t say to never use lip plumpers. Just know what you are doing and decide when to make the informed choice to wear them.
Back to Google, I did the happy dance when I saw the search result listing me right under Cosmetic Cop. Why is a good Google ranking important? It means more people will find this site when searching for Cosmetic Reviews…and that is encouraging. It means Cosmetic Review Journal is doing something right! 
Bathtub Caddy Review
