BSB: Beauty news, makeup swatches and pictures, nail polish articles, makeup tutorials, product reviews, and how-to's from a MAC-trained makeup artist.

Let LUSH give you a hand. A smooth, silky, gorgeous hand, courtesy of Tiny Hands Solid Serum

Listen, I am doing you a favor here, telling you about this product. I've got your back. But let's be real: I'm also dong this for me. The more of you who fall in love with LUSH's lovely Tiny Hands Solid Serum the better. Then it won't be going anywhere (as in "bye bye" as in suffering the fate The Soft Touch, another nice solid hand lotion. RIP.).

Key Points:

1. Tiny Hands contains soothing and intensely hydrating argan oil, aloe vera, cocoa and shea butters.
2. It smells intensely of amazing wildflowers and vanilla.
3. A little goes a long way, so this puppy should last a good long time.
4. It sinks in pretty nicely, so you're not leaving oily marks on everything you touch. Bonus!
5. Vegan girls can go wild - there are no animal products in this serum.
6. It's $5.95. Haay!

If I have to be totally honest -and I do, that's my promise to you! - there are a few minor "issues":

• Tiny Hands is melty. That's the point, of course, it melts into your skin as you rub it onto your hands or any other rough bits. But, as you can see from the smooshed bits in the picture above, it's not terribly durable in the heat. The smudges are simply from sitting in the protective tin container in a box on the porch (thanks a lot FedEx dude). This definitely rules it out as my go-to purse lotion. Ya know what I mean?
  
  
• I mentioned the scent, right? Sure, it's marigold-licious. But strong. Really strong. As in say goodbye to your perfume and any other scented product in the room. No, really. It's one of those products that gives LUSH that "wow, that's quite a strong smell" reputation! I love the scent, but it's relegated Tiny Hands to my nightstand where I can enjoy it solo and let the moisturizing work without clashing with my perfume.
  
  
• You've gotta buy the tin to keep this in. See the first point in this list. Mine came with one, but that doesn't seem to be the rule, and I can't believe this sweet, smelly serum is going to hold up even on a nice little dish on the table. :(

_{This product was furnished for consideration by the manufacturer or a representative thereof.
Please read our review policy on our About tab for more information.}

 

All you need is Love! Jurlique Love Balm rescues you from uncomfortable skin.

What would you give for soft and comfortable skin, naturally?

How does $6.50 sound? That's all you have to part with to give your cuticles, chapped bits, rough parts, and dry spots some love! Jurlique Love Balm, that is...

Vitamin E, Olive oil, safflower oil, & soybean oil do the hard work of smoothing and soothing. Love Balm glides on smoothly with the merest kiss of tangerine scent. I'm a huge fan, and I have used a ton of balms. This one never leaves my purse! BSB-approved!

It's time for the #sweetup! 3 Custom Color & Mario Badescu reviews (plus action shots!) - SKINCARE

Hi, Pretties!

Yesterday, I told you about today's collaborative promotional effort, #sweetup. Well, it's time to party (sweetly!).

Let's join Three Custom Color Specialists (@threecustom), Mario Badescu (@MarioBadescu), artist Will Cotton, and designer Miles Ehan  (@MilesEhan)  in celebrating Spring!*

See ya on Twitter for #sweetup from 6pm 'til 8pm EST.

xoxo,

*jen
@Jen_Meade

PS: Happy Thursday! One more day to go. :)

_{*What? Oh, well I know it's not Spring, but we always talk about stuff early in the fashion and beauty world. I'm in no rush to see Winter end, but looking at Spring stuff is always fun. And hey, poor old Punxatawney Phil gets hauled out of slumber in a few days, so Spring is just around the corner... kinda.}

 

Let's start with skincare

I mentioned that there's a skincare post coming soon. Here's the gist of it:
Skincare is the most important thing you can do to get Simply Pretty.

Really.

Consider your goals: to look your best, to feel and look radiant, to recapture (or keep) that youthful glow, to have your makeup -should you choose to wear it - look smooth, even, and flawless.

By keeping skin hydrated (moisturized), even (exfoliated) and safe (SPF and antioxidants) you are on your way to your goals, even without makeup!

Even oily skin needs moisture (what it doesn't need is more oil!). Even young skin needs protection. Even makeup-free skin needs to be cleansed.

Especially in Winter, we need to make sure we're evaluating our skin and stepping up any products we're using. Exfoliation keeps skin supple and bright while actually helping your moisturizers to work more effectively! It's also a good idea to up your moisture to ward off dryness from the elements and indoor heating.

Hello, Mario!

Have you used Mario Badescu's line before? I have, years ago, and I'm not sure why I stopped..? They're kind of A Big Deal in skincare, and especially great for "problem skin" (don't we all have that?) like acne and rosacea. But they have products for all skin types and concerns. I kept Silver Powder and Drying Lotion handy through my twenties.

I need to look into this line further to help my nearly-40 (!) skin do its thing. A good start? The following three products:

1. Orange Cleansing Soap
   $12
   Mild. Non-foaming. Removes makeup. Dissolves dead skin cells.
   
   I count 12 cleansers on the Badescu site! And that's not counting the makeup removers. Wow.
   
   This one - which, by the way, does not smell like a citrus bomb, thankfully! - is great for all skin types.  It's creamy and smooth, and seems to remove my makeup nicely. It exfoliates a bit, thanks to natural alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs).
   
   Verdict: I like that it doesn't have a strong scent, works quickly and effectively, doesn't strip my skin and does seem compatible with my Clarisonic.
   
   
   
2. Honey Moisturizer
   $25
   Antioxidants. Protects against moisture loss. Non-greasy. Gently exfoliating.
   *Contains peanut oil* <-- do you have a peanut allergy?
   
   This product keeps the exfoliation going while it allows your skin to get that drink it really needs.  It absorbs quickly (yay!) and is good for dry, combinatation and sensitive skin. Naturally, the line has other options for moisturizing.
   
   Verdict: a nice basic moisturizer that leaves my skin soft. I am a bit concerned about the peanut oil a) because some people are so severely allergic to peanuts and b) I'm not too familiar with this as a skincare ingredient and am not sure how it will work with oilier bits of skin. After 1 week of testing, though, my combo-dry (in the Winter) skin looks and feels great.
   
   
   
3. Almond and Honey Facial Scrub
   $15
   Ground almond & cornmeal exfoliate. Mineral rich algae. Zinc (healing). Detoxifying (kaolin clay).
   
   This smells AMAZING. Well, unless you dislike the smell of almond oil... It's silky and nearly runny, so don't leave the top off if you're clumsy (like me!). It does have somewhat large chunks in it (the almonds, I assume). I've only had these items for a week, and have only used this three times, but my initial impressions are good.
   
   Verdict: Smells great and seems to work; gentle except... the almond chunks feel sharp and I worry that they are too rough. Skip if your skin is irritated, acneic or otherwise irritable - at least that's my advice.

 

 
Overall impressions:
I like the price point on these products, the packaging, and the basic premise. I am sure with some more exploration I'll find the right combination for my skin, and I'm just as sure you can, too. These products are a great basic starting point, and are pretty much working as-advertised to the best of my knowledge. I'm impressed.

Part of Mario Badescu's branding:
"The brand's enduring success and loyal following are the result of the late Mario Badescu's timeless philosophy that skincare should be simple, gentle, and effective."
Sounds like a great fit with our BSB Simply Pretty outlook, doesn't it?

 

Do you, have you, would you use Mario Badescu skincare? 

 

Like this post? Sharing this article helps support BSB and helps us grow (which helps YOU by getting us more access to other brands and events - to share with you!). Can you spare a moment to share?

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_{Some products in this post were furnished for consideration by the manufacturer or a representative thereof. Please read our review policy on our About tab for more information.}

_{Some products in this post were furnished for consideration by the manufacturer or a representative thereof. Please read our review policy on our About tab for more information.}

Gift Guide: Her Splurge

Everyone who appreciates luxe products deserves to try this decadent cult classic at least once! The scent alone says "pampering". $130

Help Me Help You

Does that sound at all familiar? If so, you're not alone. If it doesn't, it eventually will, so you still wanna listen up!

As tasty as birthday cake is, each time you blow out your candles you're participating in a ritual that signifies you're just a little bit older  more experienced. And so is your skin.

You show your experience in ways like making better choices, appreciating the good things in your life, and talking about the good ole days. Unfortunately, your skin shows its experience in less savory ways: fine lines, spots, and dullness, oh my! Really cranky skin also starts to lose tone and firmness, get cloggy in the pores, and let melanin pool up in unflattering ways.

What's a gal (or guy) to do?! Let me help you. You need a new ritual. One that takes you back to those good ole days and let's you focus on the good.

You need help. Philosophy Help Me, may be the answer.

Carmex Healing Cream ~ not for lips! And a ps: Happy Dia de los Muertos!

Happy Monday, everyone! Was your weekend (your Halloween!!) spectacular? If you're a fan of the holiday, or of Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead, which is today) be sure to check out my Tumblr for some great stuff! And check out The Tenth to see pics of my little goblins and a few of my favorite Halloween and Day of the Dead decorations! Meanwhile, here at BSB....

If you've been reading BSB for awhile, you've picked up on the fact that I am constantly bitching about my dry cuticles. Well, they aren't my only complaint! I have dry hands and feet, too. And legs, and arms... well, you get the picture.

A few weeks ago, I was browsing through Walgreens, waiting for a a prescription to be filled, and I stumbled across this baby...



...Carmex Healing Cream, and its sister product, Carmex Healing Lotion. I love Carmex products, mostly because of the cheerful yellow packaging, but also because they work. These are no different.

Thickish and intense, you know instantly that they're a bit different than most lotions. There's a distinct, but not unpleasant, scent which does kind of throw off any throw from a perfume placed nearby, which is the only real drawback I've found.

Ingredients include dimethicone, petrolatum, mineral oil, methyl paraben and propyl paraben, so if that's an issue for you, just skip on by. Also inside the cream, "Nine Healing Ingredients". Included: lanolin, cocoa seed butter, and beeswax.

I'm sure the lanolin and beeswax are partually responsible for the thick and heavy feeling that lasts and lasts and lasts. And that's not a negative, in my book.

Damn, I love this stuff.

Less than $5 but only available a Walgreens/Walgreens.com or drugstore.com. :(   What kind of Halloween trick is that?

 

btw: no animal testing

Lush Ultrabalm: Solves a million problems!

Do you... get chapped lips?...have bug bites? ...get little scrapes from time to time? ...have ragged cuticles? ...need something to slick down your brows? ...need to stop chafing? ...want a natural lipgloss? ...have rough bits? ...need to protect a new tattoo? ... have the itchies? ...need to treat baby's diaper rash? ...need a hair dye barrier cream? ...have dry hands? ...need eye makeup remover in a pinch? ...want to give your perfume a boost?*

Well, LUSH Ultrabalm* can fix that!

What it is:
A multipurpose balm made with three plant waxes and nothing else. Inside: organic jojoba oil (which is really a wax),candelilla wax, and rose wax (Rosa damascena).
Jojoba is a supurb moisturizer that is molecularly similar to our skin's sebum, so it sinks right in! It's also a natural antioxidant, antimicrobial and won't block pores. Candelilla wax is an emollient (it softens the skin) and may also be effective at soothing inflamation of the skin ("anti-inflamatory"). Rose wax creats a non-greasy moisture barrier on the skin.

Packaging:
It comes in round, silver tin that fits neatly in your hand. It's 1.5oz (45g) worth of product. The tin opens easily and closes smoothly.
Note: the tin dents very easily, but on the upside you can take 5 black pots back to the LUSH store and get a free fresh face mask!



 
Appearance:
Ultrabalm is a slightly yellow jelly-like balm. It's quite similar in consistency to Vaseline, but a bit "goopier".

Scent:
Nothing, really. There's a slight "herbal smell" but it's not troublesome. In fact, it's hardly noticeable.

Other random facts:
It's Vegan!
It may  melt.
This balm is petroleum-free.


Who should buy it:
Anyone who can identify with any of the concerns listed at the top of this post! There are some indications through customer testimonials that Ultrabalm may help some skin problems like excema and acne, though of course that's anecdotal. Balm and salve fans will likely flip for this product.

Who should skip it:
Germaphobes won't like the stick-your-fingers-in-it pot. I suppose someone out there may not care for the scent, but it's really faint. If you are anal about your packaging staying in pristine condition, you won't want to tote around this tin, which dents easily.

BSB Rating: Five out of Five Stars

*Yes, believe it or not! Try putting your Ultrabalm on your pulsepoints prior to applying your favorite fragrance. Hydrated skin enhances the power of your perfume!

_{This product was furnished for consideration by the manufacturer or a representative thereof. Please read our review policy on our About tab for more information.}

***
_{Disclosure: LUSH* is one of our esteemed affiliates. You can click on our  LUSH* links or any  LUSH ads* on our site to access their online store. We get a small percentage of any purchases you make, which helps support this site!
Read more on our "About Our Affilliates" page.}

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Spotty situation!

Did you go away to college or maybe you share an apartment at some point? Did you have one of those mini-fridges like I did? Things are a trip! They hold, what, like 1 slice of pizza and two beers?

(Mom, if you are reading this, OF COURSE mine never housed beers! Just Diet Coke. I'm just saying beer to sound cool.) ;)

I don't know how, as small as they were, but some of those mini-fridges had some NASTY stuff going on in them by the end of the semester (and those were NOT science projects, no matter what the kids said!)

I was thinking all about college today, as I often do around Labor Day. In fact I had one of those ridiculous dreams about nothing right before I woke up, and some of the folks in it were from back in the day at good old TSU.

ZOIKS! As I splashed watet on my face, trying to wake up, I was shocked to discover I'm either breaking out as a reaction to the new ("skin clearing"!) skincare I'm testing, or it's really working and cleaning out stuff I never suspected was there!  

Kinda like opening one of those end-of-semester fridges, huh?

So, I've gotta ask: How do YOU tell the difference between an unsavory reaction to new skincare and a normal, cleansing-out-the-gook adjustment period?

 

How to have less ugly feet for Summer

All righty, ya'll. It's time to talk about the elephant in the room: busted feet.

It's summer. You shouldn't be wearing boots or kneesocks on the regular. It's time to be brave and bare your soles.

For the purpose of this post, I've qualified Feet into four categories according to Their Level of Busted-ness^TM.

Level 1: Princess Feet (as smooth as the day you were born)
Level 2: Just Feet (maybe a tad rough in the heel area, but not too bad)
Level 3: Jacked Up (pretty damn bad, but potentially salvageable)
Level 4: Wrecked (most of the people in this category think they can't be helped and just skipped to another blog, shaking in fear and self-loathing)

A quick note to Level 1's: Maybe you're blessed with those baby soft feet that never look bad. Maybe you've got a standing appointment with a fabulous pedicure-ist. If you are one of these types, you're excused. Go on and read some of the pithy and genius things I've previously written. This post is for the rest of us.

To read about how to fix your situation, keep reading.

DISCLAIMER: I'm not a podiatrist, so none of this should be considered medical advice. If you are in the "Wrecked" category of Feet, you may want to consider seeing a podiatrist or dermatologist or exorcist or some other kind of professional who can better advise you.

I thought of a new endorsement idea for Sula Beauty

It's should come as no surprise that I enjoy Sula's Organic Shea Butter Balm.  C'mon! It's shea butter, so you know it's moisturizing. And is a shea butter balm, so you can use it anywhere you like: lips, face, knees, toes, elbows, sore noses, split ends, or even to smooth down and control your brows.

They're only $9 and have essentail oils mixed in, so they smell yummy.

I have the Neroli Blossom, which also has a touch of organic sweet orange oil in it.

Psst! Let me let you in on a little secret!

One of my favorite makeup artists is James Kaliardos. I love seeing what he's created for each and every fashion week! He's now a consulting makeup artist for L'Oreal Paris, and helped create the Studio Secrets Professional line with Linda Evangelista. The goal of the line is to give us a line full of backstage secrets!

I got to try the Magic Perfecting Base. OH-EM-GEE, ya'll! Love it. It's this bizarre fluffy gel-mousse-cream-balm that is as light as air. It slicks on so smoothly and silkily, mattifies like a champ, and just wipes away pores and small lines and other minor imperfections. This primer is the coolest texture, thanks to its "high elastomer content" and "soft, light powders". It's great alone, and amazing under makeup. Oh- it's also 100% oil- and fragrance-free, plus it's not going to clog your pores or give you spots! 

It's $12.95, but trust me: that's money well-spent! You gotta getcha some!

Has anyone else tried it yet?

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This product was provided for consideration for review.
Read more about BSB review policies on the About tab.

News and other cool stuff

Hi, luvvies! How is your week shaping up? Not too much more now, my friends.

Listen, I have something on the horizon and it's not just Lulu's 1st birthday (!) on Saturday. I can't spill yet, but I sure can catch us all up on the recent comings, goings, and amazing happenings in the world. Do me a favor: let me know what I've missed!

Here we go...

Beauty Goodies

• John Frieda is taking his show on the road. You can get personalized attention from a top John Frieda stylist - a 15 minute lesson and consultation will address your specific hair issues and find out what products can help you bring out your best! Oh, did I mention that you'll also have access to a BCBGMAXAZRIA pop-up shop, so you can rock some sweet styles to complement your perfected hair? Find out where and how here.

• by Kilian lovers rejoice! The line has released a limited edition Gold Travel Fragrance Set, exclusive to Bergdorf Goodman. It's an artisanal-style black enamel with a gold finish that really embodies the "L'Oeuvre Noire" collection. The set will include a new scent, Rose Oud (from the Arabian Nights collection), plus the L'Oeuvre Noire yummies Love, Liaisons Dangereuses, Straight to Heaven, and Back to Black. See my review of a few of the scents here.
  New York gals: meet the founder himself on May 14th from 2-6 at Bergdorf Goodman (on the beauty level, of course!).   

• If you've been hesitating on purchasing the Illamasqua Spring collection, shame on you. But actually, your waiting may have paid off! You can save money by ordering all of the nail lacquers in a new LE set. It includes all three of the Body Electrics shades -JoMina, Prism, and Force- plus a bottle of Nail Base Coat.

• I loves me some Clarins skincare, man. I'm hustling over to Gilt Group TODAY to pick up some goodies.
   
  They've got faves like Best of the Sun Ultimate Protection Duo (Original Retail: $65, Gilt: $33), Clear Skin Solutions Kit for Combination/Oily Skin (Original Retail: $52, Gilt: $35), Super Rest Luxury Collection 4 Piece Kit + Gold Case (Original Retail: $196, Gilt: $149), and Multi-Active Day Cream for All Skin Types (Original Retail: $64, Gilt: $32). Clarins is renowned for their sun protection products, and I can personally vouch for the Multi-Active Day Cream: that's good stuff! 

• 
  Purple Lab has some new products going on sale at HSN! Um, yum: Pearlesque Show Primer for a dewy glow (for only $22.50);  Runway in a Box ($59.50); Check and Chic Makeup Duo ($37.50), and Huge Lips, Skinny Hips Lip Plumper in Lychee Martini (barely peach shine), Goji Berry Smoothie (berry rosy sparkle), Love Your Thighs (exotic coral), and Limo to Lobby (pale pink - more pink than Cult Fave Kitty Pole Dancer) for $20 each. Yeah, I wouldn't mind getting my hand on that primer and on Goji Berry Smoothie and Love Your Thighs. How 'bout you? Getcher info here.
  Showtimes: April 29th--- 2am-2:30am, 2pm-2:30pm, 8pm-8:30pm; April 30th---10am-10:30am, 3pm-3:30pm

• Really nifty makeup applications tools make my day. Check out the new one from Pür Minerals! You can pick your eye makeup, assign the model your own eye color, and even pick different brushes. It's so much fun, I may have to block the website or I'll never get any work done. No, really: try it!
  
  
  
  
  
• I'm kinda lemming Philosophy's Field of Flowers set, so if you're getting me a Mother's Day gift, that may be a place to start. :)
  
  The set, which is only $35, includes the body lotion (8oz) and perfume (2 oz), though you can get a few other versions of this lovely peony scent, too. 

• Not a huge Laura Mercier person. What I should say, really, is that I haven't tried a lot from her line. However, I do know that her body products are a-maz-ing! We used to run from the MAC counter over to Laura's and dip our hands in the delicious lotions and then sniff ourselves for hours. :) I haven't tried Crème de Pistache, have you? It's the scent of pistachio nuts plus almond, praline and hazelnut "nuances" and freshly whipped cream. Um... yeah. Now, what's the most fun? The Honey Bath, the Souffle Body Creme, or the Body Scrub?
  
• Where are my Bond No. 9 fans? Gimme a "WOOT!" There's a new one coming out and it's another in the  Andy Warhol series. I don't have to tell you that I love the Warhol scents soooo much! This one is inspired by Montauk, Long Island. Four of Warhol's iconic Sunset series will dress the trademark star-shaped bottles. Expect this one to be good! Debuts Memorial Day, but I've got a sample coming and a review pending!
  
   

• Got sensitive skin? I do, at times. One of the lines that is closest to my heart, Patricia Wexler, MD, has created a line for the sensitive-skinned among us. It's called Anti-Aging for Sensitive Skin. That kind of says it all, doesn't it?
  The line includes a Gentle Exfoliating Peel ($34.50); MMPi20 Comforting & Renewing Serum, which will decrease reactivity while diminishing the signs of aging ($55); Calming Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 30 ($39.50); and Soothing & Renewing Night Cream ($39.50). Can't wait to try it, especially the peel - I can get away with a lot of moisturizers and serums, but not exfoliators!

• Check out these sleek Mattene/Slimshine-like lippies! They're new from NARS and are called Pure Sheer SPF Lip Treatment. These shiny, sheer, subtly tinted balms are packed with Wild Mango Butter, Vitamin E, Polar Berries and Açai Oil and come in six shades: Aurore (seashell pink), Greta (mauve), Paloma (cantaloupe), Lara (pastel pink), Angélique (strawberry) and Bianca (pearl). I'd love to test these, but unless some cash falls in my lap I'm not going to be able to. If you try them, let me know how they are, OK?!

• Speaking of lips, another favorite brand is promoting a new SPF-for-lips product. Check out Bobbi Brown's Treatment Lip Shine SPF, which contains natural Cocoa & Shea Butters, and Jojoba, Apricot Kernel & Avocado oils. Oh, don't forget the Peptides, Vitamin C & Paracress, which stimulate collagen production to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. I confess: I could certainly use that around the lips, ya'll. How 'bout you? Did I mention the TWELVE shades?
  
  
  
  
  
  

Whew! That's a lot of "new"! What else ya got? Whatcha looking forward to? See a clear winner or loser?

Have a good day and weekend. Hope it's fab! Have a funny for the road:

Two New Clinique products: Dark Spot Corrector & All About Eyes Serum. How do they rate?

Clinique has had a whirlwind of releases lately, and I've tested two of their new offerings. I loved one, and was only moderately impressed with the other.  Let me tell you about them...

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Samples of these products were provided for consideration by the lovely folks of Clinique.
See my About page for more info on my review policies.

Earth Day: Kiehl's is "pro" Rainforest & I'm "pro" these gorgeous toning mists!

Kiehl's Ltd. Edition Açaí Damage-Protecting Toning Mist

Kiehl’s collaborates with actress Julianne Moore, musician Pharrell Williams, artist Jeff Koons and pro-surfer Malia Jones to raise funds and awareness for the Rainforest Alliance, which is dedicated to sustaining biodiversity and ensuring sustainable livelihoods.

100% of proceeds up to $200,000 from the sale of this product will be donated to support the Rainforest Alliance... 100% Organic; With daily use, helps protect cells from destructive effects of oxidation... Improves the look of radiance and rejuvenation to skin... Tightens pores, and clarifies and balances skin’s texture

Bottle labels all feature a design by one of the collaborators. Each bottle is $26.

Maximize your body scrub!

Maximize that body scrub!

• Rub on that scrub in the tub but do it before you get wet!
  This way, your scrub doesn't go down the drain. Add a handful of water for "traction" if you need to, but don't stand under the water or sit in it. Waste 'o money.
  
• Smaller granules = gentler to the skin (fewer microtears).
  
  
  

  For more ways to get the most out of your scrub, keep reading!

Lush: Cinders

Lush sent me an amazing bath bomb to sample. It smells AMAZING. It crackles and pops in the water, like a snapping fire in the fireplace (it's got pop rocks on it, you see). It's got warming sweet cinnamon and orange, so it smells divine. It's amazing and cozy and absolutely perfect for this snowed in situation I'm in*. It's called Cinders, and you need to try it!

*Not "The Situation". That's completely different.

Disclaimer: This product was provided to me by the good people of Lush
for consideration only, a fact which did not impact my review in the slightest.
For more information on my review policy, please visit my "About" tab.

Yu-Be -seriously awesome skin care

 

I have narsty cuticles. They're always dry and crunchy looking. It's just gross. I also have really dry feet. No, seriously, you have no idea. I know this one guy at the local nail salon just groans when he sees me coming. (I tip well to make up for it)

So for eons, I have snapped up anything that promises hydration. Quite a few years ago I stumbled upon Yu-Be, billed to be "the #1 selling medicated, vitamin-enriched skincare cream in Japan since 1957". Sounded promising!

I picked up a small tube, tried it, loved it, emptied the tube, and couldn't find it again anywhere.

Sh!t.

But now it seems the company is on a major publicity push and I for one couldn't be happier!

They say:

• It's pronounced "YOO-BEE".
• Ingredients:
• • Contains camphor, which "is readily absorbed through the skin and produces a feeling of cooling similar to that of menthol" and "acts as slight local anesthetic and antimicrobial substance helpful in treating itching from dry skin and mild skin rashes."
  • It's glycerin-based. Glycerin is a humectant, which means it pulls water towards it, and therefore into the skin when applied topically.
    
  • The glycerin in Yu-Be is plant-based.
  • Yu-Be also contains Vitamin E (and antioxidant and protectant) and Vitamin B2 (smoothes out skin and adds yellow color).
  • On the downside, they do contain "a very small amount of Methylparaben" and have no SPF (neither of which bothers me a whit).
• "It's the uniquely high Glycerin content and absorbability, achieved through a special manufacturing process in Japan, which makes Yu-be so effective on severe dry skin and truly sets it apart from other creams."
  
• Yu-Be products are not tested on animals, and are gluten-free. They are also free of artificial colors, artificial fragrances, and petrolatum. (That is not to say it's fragrance-free--- it smells strongly of camphor!)
  
• Absorbs instantly.
• Stays locked-in for hours.
  
• Use it anywhere on the body, including face and lips. Also is safe for anyone, babies included!
• Many people claim that Yu-be is helpful for their Eczema and dermatitis. 

 

I say...

1. The original Yu-Be cream - $24 for the pot, $15 for the tube
   It comes in a pot (2.75oz) or a tube (1.25oz).
   
   I love this stuff. Really. I use it with other products for my heels and cuticles (namely something with an AHA or other exfolliant, and also with shea butter), but alone on lips and minor skin irritations. If you're not as callus- and hang-nail prone as I am, you could probably use it by itself easily.
   
   
   
   
   It's phenomenal on lips, including on Ara's dry and chapped smackers. Don't think she much likes the smell, but in a day and a half she goes from painfully chapped to smooth as ... a kid's lips. :)
   
    
   
   
2. Yu-Be Foaming Skin Polish - $18
   My new One True Love! Helps you take part in the strenuous exfoliation of Japanese ofuro (bathing ritual).
   
   
   
   
   
   Ingredients include fine grains of bamboo and rice bran (to exfoliate), extracts of ginger root and ginseng (to tone), and green tea, geranium oil, and camphor ("to provide a soothing and refreshing sensation"). It comes in a big 'ole tube, too, and a little goes a long way because the grains don't dissolve.
   
   Seriously, ya'll: BEST. SCRUB. EVER. It's not overly rough, but it's no pansy, either. It doesn't make me itch (!) and it gets my skin nice and clean and soft.  I use it on my arms and legs and it gets rid of those little bumps some of us get there. If you get them, I think you should definitely give this a try. Ara gets them badly, and this is gentle enough to use on her but takes care of the problem. I also use it just to polish up my hands when I'm doing a manicure.
   
   Afterward, I follow with...
   
   
3. Yu-Be Body Lotion Pump - $29
   10.25oz
   
   It contains the same yummies that are in the Skin Cream, and it's great. Instantly absorbed into the skin, and the smell is more mild than the cream. Softening, soothing, smoothing hydrating goodness. Yes, yes.
   
   
   
   
   
4. There's also a lip product: Yu-Be Lip Therapy. I didn't test this. - $5

You can get Yu-Be through the Yu-Be Store, Beauty.com & Sephora.com.

Have you tried Yu-Be?

What do you think?

What's your A-#1 Go-To
Moisturizing Super Product?

Disclaimer: This product was provided to me by the good people of Yu-Be
for consideration only, a fact which did not impact my review in the slightest.
For more information on my review policy, please visit my "About" tab.

LUSH-ious Hanukkah

Better Than a Blintz

Scrambling to make this year’s Festival of Lights more memorable than the last?

 

Top off 8 days of presents with the unique dreidel-shaped Better Than a Blintz Gift from LUSH!  With four of LUSH’s best selling bath bombs, it’s the perfect gift to help a loved one unwind and relax this holiday season.  At only $19.95 and pre-wrapped with reusable post-consumer recycled packaging, feel good about the affordable and eco-friendly gift you are giving. Choose from a lemongrass infused Avobath, grapefruit and mandarin packed Happy Pill, apple-scented So White or a peppermint-infused Magic. Take a long relaxing bath with one of these bath bombs and see why this gift is really better than a blintz (or Potato Pancake!).

Jingle Bells: Lush - Vanilla in the Mist Soap

Like a soft mist, Lush's Vanilla in the Mist...

Er... no. I can't do it. I can't toss out a ton of purple prose about this soap and mist and silliness like that.

What I can do is tell you about a nice little soap that smells of vanilla, coconut and tonka. A soap made by those purveyors of yummy-smelling, really effective, supernatural superbly natural products: Lush. A soap that's a cheery shade of yellow with vanilla pods encrusted on the top of its unique hand-cut, handmade block shape. It contains the usual suspects like vanilla (of course!), rapeseed, sunflower and coconut oils, so it smells great and is gentle and good for the skin. Vanilla in the Mist also contains some bergamot oil, which in aromatherapy is thought to contain some calming properties. This flowery scent is super-subtle and blends really well with the reassuring (and seasonal!) scent of vanilla.

Vanilla in the Mist is vegan, too, like many Lush products, so it's a great stocking stuffer for those Vegans in your life!

Review

For those of you who like a super-lathery soap experience, this one isn't for you, but if you can get past that it's fabulous for showers or for a great-smelling and uplifting guest soap. Nothing like soothing vanilla and sweet bergamot to calm frazzled holiday nerves!

I got a chance to try this soap, and must say it's now one of my favorite Lush products. I love vanilla scented bath and body products, but so many of them go too far and just overwhelm everything, don't they? Not this one. It's a great cleanser - nice and gentle but clearly effective - but the scent is what really makes it. The vanilla yumminess is noticeable when you're using it but only leaves a soft reminder of itself when you're done. Lovely.

The only downside to this soap is that it melts easily, so be sure to store it where it can drain well and isn't too warm. Those of you who shop Lush regularly are used to that, but newbies need to be warned!

This product was a sample provided by a PR company or the company itself.
Please read our official disclaimer on our General Info tab at the top of every page.

When *jen fondled Illamasqua in public... (includes sexy photo shoot)

Not every brick-and-mortar Sephora carries UK import and beautyaholic obsession Illamasqua, but some do and I finally got to see the line in person. Here is my story...

I used to refer to Sephora as "Makeup Mecca" and I believe I'm going back to that. In "the olden days" there was no Sephora nearby, and so I'd visit when I went to NYC (not often). I'd twitch and shake through my trip until whomever I was with finally caved and let me hit Sephora, then I'd finally calm down. I couldn't get enough of the smells (the melange of perfume was somehow always pleasant), the colors (!), and the hustle and bustle, and I'd spend as long as I could swatching and sniffing and wishing for more expendable income.

Thankfully, I'm not the only one who loved the store and so they have spread and there's a Sephora near my home and near my old home and probably near your home! It's still exciting to go in and see so many choices, but I'm not quite so antsy about it. NOW THEY HAVE ILLAMASQUA - but not at my local store, so I had that whole twitchy feeling and eager anticipation going, just like back in the day!

I got a chance to scurry on up the hell that is I-95 and see the line in person at Sephora Georgetown. I have to say, after having admired it online for months and having fallen in love with MILF, a sexy mint-green polish that wears like the biggest badass on the block, I was not at all disappointed! 

I met my best friend, Angela, in Georgetown and she indulged me in a swatchfest that lasted around two hours! Meanwhile, the lovely staff of Sephora watched with bemused smiles as they perdiodically darted by to swatch the products themselves (the collection had literally just landed in the store the day before!). I had a great time swimming in the colors and textures, and wanted to buy just about every item.

I can't wait to go back up for the official launch fete they will have, but until then I'll be playing with what I bought and admiring my own swatches.

SHOUT OUT TO THE AMAZING STAFF
AT SEPHORA, GEORGETOWN (DC)!!!

This is Part 1 in a series in which I fondle Illamasqua. Take a look at the display below and stay tuned, because part 2 is coming in a matter of moments...

 

ILLAMASQUA is also available at SEPHORA.COM