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