January is National Oatmeal Month!

We buy a lot of dandruff shampoo in my house. Ok, not that much, but I'm aware that folks with dandruff say shampoos like Head and Shoulders work. So when I read that Aveeno, one of my favorite brands was coming out with a dandruff line, I knew I had to try it. Or let my husband try it. I'll post his review in the next day or so.


Moving on to dry skin ... did you know oatmeal has many healing properties? Did you also know that January is national oatmeal month?


Most folks can relate to winter hands. My hands get so dry I've been known to use Crazy Glue to repair cracks. In fact I've got a slit on my right thumb right now. Had to reach for the CG for a little relief. In case you were wondering the glue bonds the cut and keeps moisture out.

Anyway, you can't use Crazy glue every day. That's why I am very excited to try Aveeno's new skin relief healing ointment. Right now it's on my hands and on my lips. I like this product. There's almost no scent, it's not greasy and absorbs easily. I checked out the ingredients: shea butter and oat kernel oil, but no lanolin. It's a good product for sensitive skin. I have a feeling I will also be using this on my son's chapped cheeks and right under his nose.

net wt. 3.0 oz ($7.50)

Drew and Wal-Mart

I just read that Drew Barrymore is a huge makeup fanatic and that she is launching her own beauty line at Wal-Mart. She's calling the line Flower, which is also the name of her film company.

photo: Donato Sardella

I wonder what Cover Girl cosmetics will make of Drew's new venture? The cosmetics should range in price from $5 to $14 and will also be available online.

Antibacterial Soap: Safe Suds or Snake Oil? | OnEarth Magazine

A recent article in Onearth highlights the need to rid our daily hygiene products of triclosan.


I could quote from this article, but I think it's author Laura Fraser did a very good job. In other words, read it now.

Antibacterial Soap: Safe Suds or Snake Oil? | OnEarth Magazine

Carmex Lip Conditioner

I'm going to assume that many of my readers have heard of Carmex. It's a lip conditioner that comes in a small yellow metal pot. (It also comes in a stick too). Recently the Minnesota-based company has been expanding its product list to include hand and body creams. Their products are widely available online and in drugstores. Carmex has got to have one of the best pr-marketing-blogger outreach teams. These folks are dynamite. Honestly they should work for the US government. Probably solve more issues if these folks were at it. I digress. Anyway, the Carmex blogger outreach team, i.e. the makers of Carmex, just sent me a new product -- it's a lip conditioner. This is an odd product. It has an orange flavor, which I can't decide if I like or dislike. It's fast absorbing and yet still leaves a tingle. The company says you can wear it under lipstick because it has a matte finish. I've tried it a few times and I'm kind of unsure what I think about it. But now that I've read the accompanying press release and learned that it's packed with 13 moisturizing ingredients, I might give it a second try with more serious reflection. -- JB

The Woman Behind the Lipstick

As many of you know, I've been infatuated with makeup since I was a little girl. I used to covet my grandmother's Avon samples -- you know, the smaller-than-your pinky-sized lipsticks.
Last night I carved out some time to hear Bobbi Brown of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics speak at Montclair State University about her career path. Bobbi has lived in Montclair for many, many years. Her talk was fantastic. She began with pictures of herself as a child. She shared her metamorphosis from girl to teen to college student to freelance makeup artist to wife, mother and businesswoman. She shared with us how she started with one lipstick -- a nude color called 'Brown' -- later adding nine more shades. Bobbi -- as she prefers to be called -- is very casual. She walked in wearing a dark wash skinny jean and a denim top with her signature glasses. Her hair was long and straight. At just 5-feet tall, she's a pint-size powerhouse. "I'd rather be taller than younger," she said. I've always loved Bobbi's fresh approach to makeup, as she says, "the skin has to look like you’re not wearing any." Bobbi Brown celebrates the natural woman, "when I look at a woman, I don’t see what’s wrong with her. I see what’s right.” Amen.


You can buy her products in department stores like Bloomingdale's, Bergdorf Goodman and Nordstrom, online and at her new pop-up store in Grand Central Station. You can also shop at her studio in Montclair, NJ. 

Bobbi and her company are big into philanthropy. One of my favorite moments last night came when she said she wants to make a lot of money so she can "give it all away."

Bobbi took a lot of questions last night. She was very generous with her time. She also laid out her rules for success and happiness, which I've copied here. If you want more on Bobbi, you can read her blog. I do. 

• Always Be on time
• Look people in eye
• Tell the truth
• Don’t smoke
• Drink lots of water
• Exercise
• Eat healthy
• Read
• Be nice
• Never give up

Bobbi Brown at MSU

I snuck out tonight so I could hear Bobbi Brown speak about her career. More to come... She was fantastic!

Bobbi Brown's Biggest Cyber Monday

If you like makeup samples, you'll want to keep reading this post.

1 DAY ONLY

Pick 5 samples with ANY order at Bobbi Brown Cosmetics.

I'd buy this awesome lip trio set. Oh wait! I did buy it.  It was a post-Sandy pick-me up.

Get Straightened Out!

Over the years I've tried many products to help straighten my wavy locks. My hair straightens easily, or so they tell me at the salon, but I have a lot of trouble doing it on my own. I am unsure if I get tired, or bored, or overheated, but I can't seem to finish the job. A few weeks ago I was on a I'm-going-to-blow-my-hair-straight kick, and I bought a product from Sephora. It's from Bumble and Bumble ... and it's called Straight blow dry. It's kind of pricey, so I opted for the $12 (2 oz.) container. Also, I had a feeling I wasn't going to need a lot of product. I didn't. A small squeeze left my hair easy to dry and manageable. My hair wasn't weighed down and it wasn't greasy. I'm not saying I looked like Kate Middleton, but friends complimented me. I felt put together. It was a good day. Thanks B&B.

live clean (baby)

These days everyone is looking for products that are free of just about anything unnatural. That means no parabens, phthalates, phosphates, sulfates, petroleum or DEA. You're not going to find any of these chemicals in the Live Clean (Baby) product line. The company is Canadian. But you can buy their products in the States at Walgreens. I like the product line. A lot. It's gentle, has a light fragrance and is affordable. For example, a 10 oz. bottle of baby shampoo & wash will cost about $8. I'm used to buying California Baby products which are very costly (but also very eco-friendly).

 In addition to everything listed (or not listed) above, it is formulated with purified water, and enriched with certified organic botanicals of chamomile, lavender and aloe. The company has a decent website with a FAQ section for those interested in (more) specifics. Bottom line: I tried this with my 3 year-old son and would recommend it.

Carmex Healing Cream is a winner!

I know I have been delinquent in posting. But between teaching and a toddler, it's hard to find time to write about beauty products, let alone use them. But I recently received some new Carmex products in the mail, including their Healing Cream. I have very dry skin. My fingers crack in the winter. I get little paper cuts all the time, so I am always looking for a good cream. Trouble is, I hate greasy lotions that leave a slick residue. Carmex' Healing Cream is great. It's very thick and absorbs immediately. It smells like Carmex + vanilla, nothing offensive. I would definitely recommend this cream. I will keep a tube in my powder room for a quick fix.

Miami Peach!

Winter, Winter go away. Spring please come my way! Bring me peaches, bring me plums, bye bye winter doldrums.

I saw Miami Peach today at NM. Gorgeous sheer coral color for spring -- that is, if spring ever arrives! This would look succulent with a tan.

jo Malone: Honeysuckle & Jasmine

Ever wonder why companies choose to discontinue or "retire" your favorite scents? Jo Malone is retiring my Honeysuckle & Jasmine perfume. It's very popular. I don't know why the company is ditching it. I've tried French Lime Blossom and it's nice. But it's not the same.

There's also Nectarine Blossom and Honey, but no Honeysuckle.

Oh well!

On a positive note, the company is offering complimentary shipping.

Color's Colure

Apologies for my delay in posting. Been busy.

I wanted to talk about hair. My hair. I finally had my highlights redone. I also had my roots touched. Good thing. I was beginning to look a wee bit tired. Man are highlights expensive! Glad I waited.

Anyway, my hair is a lot longer than it used to be. I've really taken to using Moroccan oil to keep it frizz free.

I also use Colure's StraightHair BlowDry Creme. I mix them together in my palm. Or I use the Moroccan oil and then add the creme. I like this product because it's color-safe, (no fading!) keeps my hair frizz-free and doesn't weigh it down. (It's not heavy or greasy) It also protects hair from blow-drying.

Colure is free of parabens, SD-40 alcohol,  petrolatum, perfumes, dyes, irritants and wax.

I'm curious how this product will work come summer when the heat and humidity set in. I would definitely try other products from this line.

It's a Boy!

I tried BOY. Nice. Very nice. Creamy color. Long (ish) lasting. Not drying. Forgot to take a picture. I know it is expensive, but it's a very nice formula.

Love, Chloe!

Please indulge me. I was going to write about Chloe's new perfume, Love, Chloe. I've sprayed it a few times at Saks, and it's lovely. But tonight, when I was googling the perfume, I came across a website for a foundation for children with terminal brain tumors. The foundation was created in memory of a child, Chloe, who succumbed to cancer. What can you say about a child who dies of cancer? I am so grateful for my son, Henry. He is healthy. He kisses me on my lips. I can't imagine losing a Chloe.





Consider making a donation to the Love, Chloe Foundation.

Crazy for Krazy Glue?

As the temperature dips and dips, my hands and fingers get drier and drier. I often get small fissures, or cracks on my thumbs. I've tried intensive creams, healing gels and products like New Skin. But this weekend was a first for me. I tried Krazy Glue. Our family dermatologist recommended it. Turns out it actually works. Not sure I want to rely on this tactic, but if it helps with the healing and pain, I'll overlook the weirdness of it all. By the way, I had no idea how many variations on krazy glue exist. I went to CVS to buy some and was overwhelmed by my options.

Beauty Addicts

Has anyone else tried lipgloss from the BeautyADDICTS line? I kept reading about it so I asked the company for a sample. (They also included a mascara for me to try out).

I'm trying the Lilac-colored gloss. It looks kind of dark in the tube, but it is sheer and very pretty. It is more of a nude pink on me. The lip gloss tube looks about the same size as one from Bobbi Brown. But this gloss is creamier, and not tacky. It's made with vitamin E and jojoba butter and a hint of vanilla. Also, it tastes like Carmex. I really like this product and hope to sample more of the line.


$17; beautyaddicts.com

Girl Talk!

Girl Talk: An Interview With Bobbi Brown

Montclair resident Bobbi Brown talks about makeup for teens.

By Jaime Bedrin | 11:40am

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Credit: Bobbi Brown

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Bobbi Brown, the internationally renowned makeup artist, New York Times best-selling author, and founder of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, has sold her products in more than 900 stores around the world. Most recently, Brown, who lives with her husband and three sons in Montclair, has written "Beauty Rules." The go-to guide for all girls was published in August 2010.
Why did you write this book?
I wrote my first teen beauty book, Teenage Beauty, in 2000, and realized that so much has changed in the last 10 years. Teenage girls are constantly exposed to unrealistic standards of beauty that they see in magazines, movies, and on the Internet. I wrote Beauty Rules because I wanted to give teenage girls the tools and knowledge they need to be their most confident selves. This book also contains more step-by-step beauty tips, and more information about healthy living, as beauty is not only what you look like on the outside, it's what you put inside your body as well.
For the budget-conscious teen—which beauty and skincare products are worth splurging on?
These are the things worth splurging on: Concealer; it's the secret to the universe instantly making you look more refreshed; Blush, a pop of pink blush on the apples of your cheeks instantly lifts the face; Lip Gloss, a swipe of gloss will instantly polish off your look and, of course, a smile!
When purchasing makeup, department stores and drug stores are both great places to find products for different needs. Drug stores are a great place to get your basics such as cotton balls and q-tips. When going to the beauty counter at your local department store, you have access to makeup experts and are able to try on colors to ensure you're getting the best shade and product for your skin.
What about trends? Teens like to follow trends (Uggs, anyone?) but not all trends look good on everyone. In fact some trends may not be appropriate for high school students. What advice do you have for a teenage girl who can't pull off a blood red lip color?
Have fun and experiment with your looks. It's about doing what makes you feel confident and comfortable. Remember, though, you want makeup to enhance your features not hide them. Also, nails are a great way to experiment with color. The dark purples, muddy browns, and khakis that are out right now will always look good on your nails even though they may not be the best shade for your lips or face.
Know that it's OK to look different from everyone else; you don't have to look like a Barbie. When I was younger everyone had blond hair and blue eyes or tried to achieve that look. I was 5 feet tall with brown hair and brown eyes. It wasn't until I was older that I realized I too was beautiful. Confidence is key to looking and feeling your best. Any makeup, no matter the color/texture/etc., can look great if worn with the right attitude.
What makeup habits (practices) should teens (and their moms) avoid?
Not wearing the right color foundation. Foundation should blend seamlessly into the skin. Your neck should NEVER be a different color then the rest of your face.  Your foundation should be made up of yellow undertones (not pink) as all people, no matter what color their skin is, have yellow undertones. To find the best shade for you, swipe a line onto the side of your cheek and step into natural light. The color should disappear into the skin.
What are your go-to beauty products—in other words, say you're spending the night in a Manhattan hotel—what would I find inside your makeup kit?
Whether you're 15 or 40, I always suggest this quick 5-minute basic makeup routine:
1.       Even your skin tone with a tinted moisturizer with SPF all over your face.
2.       Cover problem spots with foundation and concealer as needed.
3.       Add color with blush on the apples of your cheeks.
4.       Add shine with a sheer color across your lips.
5.       (Optional) Define your eyes with a coat of black mascara.
If I want a more dramatic look, I play with darker colors on my lips and eyes or stronger makeup such as eyeliner to define the eyes. Just remember to keep your lips neutral if you're doing a strong eye and vice versa.

(This story originally ran in the Patch 11/19/2010)

http://montclair.patch.com/articles/girl-talk-an-interview-with-bobbi-brown

Carmex

Not only is everyone's favorite lip balm company (Carmex) doing color, they are also making hand and body creams. I know a thing or two about hand cream. I have very dry skin and I keep hand cream nearby at all times. It seems the second the temperature drops, my finger crack and skin dries out.

At first I was skeptical about the Carmex hand cream. I mean, after all, this is a company that makes lip balm. What do they know about my hands and feet? Actually this is a company that makes amazing lip balm. And they also make amazing hand cream. Love it! Can you hear me shouting? It's light, absorbs quickly and smells like a mix of vanilla and mint or vanilla and something. I'm not quite sure. Anyway, you can find Carmex Healing Lotion and Healing Cream at Walgreens or drugstore.com.

So what are you waiting for? Get some Carmex Healing Cream today and start getting rid of your alligator skin.