Showing posts with label Body Oil. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Body Oil. Show all posts

9/15/15

Body Products That Smell Amazing

I am a sucker for yummy smelling body products. Showers are a daily thing (well, for me they are...no judgement) and it might as well be an enjoyable experience, amiright? I still keep my holy grail body wash from Dove close by, but I like to experiment with different scents and textures both in the shower and when I get out. These are 6 products that smell heavenly - ranging from sweet and delectable to delicate and feminine.

1. .mark Coconut Body Oil - I already fell in love with this body butter from .mark, so I was pretty positive I would enjoy this body oil. But I should warn you that if very sweet scents are not your bag, this may not be for you. The sweeter the better for me, and this body oil is as sweet as it gets. It is a strong coconut scent that has hints of a cake batter-like note in it which can really go one way or another. Luckily, it isn't too overpowering and when on the skin smells incredibly pleasant. But the real winning feature with this body oil is how it feels on the skin. I apply it right out of the shower while my skin is still wet, and it instantly absorbs with absolutely NO RESIDUE. And at a price point of $12.00, it's a total steal! 
2. Fresh Cocoa Body Exfoliant - I saw this on Instagram first and nearly fell out of my office chair. I could not get my hands on it fast enough. The Fresh Beauty team kindly sent one over to me for review, and I actually opened the bag, took off all my clothes, and took a shower immediately. I was THAT excited. Yes, it smells exactly as it looks. Like a decadent batch of brownie batter made from the richest cocoa around. Only a little bit is needed to cover most of the body, but it gives a nice gentle exfoliation. The granules are quite small so I can get away with using this multiple times a week if I wanted, and my skin is never irritated. From a scent standpoint, it does not linger on the skin after the shower so I was able to use my regular body lotion on top without any problems of competing scents. The only caveat is that your shower will need a complete rinse-down after using this because there will be chocolate splatters everywhere! Ha! But trust me, it's worth the extra housework for how decadent you will feel using this.
3. The Body Shop Mango Body Scrub - Another delectable scrub that will make you yearn for a tropical vacation each time you shower. The texture is much thicker than the Fresh Cocoa and definitely gives a strong exfoliation. The scent smells like a yummy mango dessert and thankfully does not leave any oily residue in the tub as many body scrubs can do. Once you rinse it away, the scent does not stay on the skin but if you wish to continue your tropical fruit salad experience, there is the mango body butter you can add on once out of the shower.
4. The Body Shop Coconut Body Butter - Continuing on that tropical vacation theme, this Body Shop Coconut Body Butter will most certainly make you feel like putting on a bathing suit. Well, at least your sunglasses. I have heard amazing things about The Body Shop Body Butters so I was excited to finally try one for myself. They are incredibly rich and nourishing, melting into the skin with little to no rubbing. I prefer to use this at night as a moisturizing treatment before bed. After a quick relaxing shower, I apply this while my skin is slightly damp, massaging it in and then wait a few minutes before getting into my pajamas. However, I usually follow my evening shower with my skincare routine so I use those few minutes to let the body cream sink into my skin. While the scent is quite strong in the tub, it actually wears nicely when on and doesn't overpower. 
5. Aerin Beauty Rose Body Scrub - Aerin's Rose de Grasse is one of my holy grail fragrances, so I knew I would fall instantly in love with the accompanying body line. The entire line has the most delicate and feminine floral scent, so I like to save it for days that I am wearing something a bit more special. I know that sounds funny, but I take my beauty routine seriously, people! The scent lingers on the skin beautifully and I like to continue the rose experience with  this body oil and then a few spritzes of Rose de Grasse. This scrub is a bit different from others I currently have because it is in a thick cream with very fine granules so it hydrates the skin while also exfoliating. And the packaging looks so fancy. Fancy packaging always gets prime real estate in my shower, bathroom and vanity. *insert sassy girl emoji with her hand up*

6. Aerin Beauty Rose Body Wash - I can use this in conjunction with the body scrub or alone, either way it gives a nice lather and makes my skin feel incredibly clean. The texture is a traditional gel, and I like to pour it onto a washcloth or loofah to get a nice lather which feels a bit more luxurious. Like my face washes, I am not the biggest fan of foaming anything but my skin doesn't feel tight or dry after using this so this falls in my "foaming but not drying exception" category. And the scent lingers even more than the body scrub so I can go without a fragrance for the day if I want. But I love perfume too much for that. 
*pr samples included

6/2/15

3 Body Oils I'm Loving Right Now

I have quite an affinity for body oils, as I do face oils, cleansing oils - I just love oils in general! I find them to be incredibly moisturizing and many help me with the tone and appearance of my skin. Here are three that I've been testing and my thoughts on each:

1. Indie Lee Sweet Almond Massage Oil - In the evening, I like to apply my body products right out of the shower and really massage them in to the skin. Because of this, I use all my heavier creams and oils at night because I will take the extra time to rub them in. This Indie Lee Massage Oil is actually designed for a massage, and has the perfect amount of slip to it that allows it to glide over the skin. Many times I am so busy at night that I don't want to take the extra 5-7 minutes to work it into the skin, but after doing it a few times I saw such great results that I made the time. My skin felt better, stayed moisturized longer and the massage helped reduce any leg or ankle swelling I tend to suffer from during the warmer weather.
2. REN Moroccan Rose Gold Glow Perfect Dry Oil - I am already a huge fan of the REN Moroccan Rose Body Oil and am already on my second bottle. I was skeptical if I would love this as much, but the weightless texture and silky feel of the oil won me over. It probably also helped that summer is almost here and a thinner oil appeals to me a bit more. However when I sprayed this on my legs before running out the door one morning, I noticed the amazing glow it gave them. Since it is no longer tights season (there is no greater feeling), this has been in regular rotation when wearing shorts or a skirt. It gives my legs that added healthy sheen without looking greasy. 

3. Darphin The Revitalizing Oil - It's very rare that I can use a body oil for my face, but this Revitalizing Oil from Darphin is perfect for either. I have taken to using it on the body and then even taking the remaining bit on my hands and running it on the ends of my hair. I can't remember the last time I had a product that worked on my face, body  and hair, so I have already put this aside for an upcoming business trip as I find multi-purpose products to be traveling lifesavers.
*pr samples included

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2/27/15

New In And Loving: Ahava, Kate Somerville, It Cosmetics and Stila

These "New In and Loving" posts are some of my favorite to do. It's like a mish-mash of all different beauty things that I've tried and really enjoyed. Today's post ranges from skincare, to body products and makeup - in essence it's a little bit of everything.

1. Ahava Dry Oil Body Mist Cactus & Pink Pepper - First of all, I love oils. Second of all, I love the scent of pink pepper. But these together and I'm bound to love a product. While I have way too many body products at home, including many different oils - the one thing I hate about most of them is having to apply them with my hands. I love the idea of a spray applicator. One of my favorite body lotions of all time (this one) and my holy grail sunscreen (this one and yes you need it) both have spray nozzles and make the application process so much easier. I still have to rub it in, but to be honest the mist for this Ahava oil is so fine and delicate that in a pinch, I can get away with a spray and run. So application aside, the texture of this oil is perfect for those who want the hydration of an oil without the tackiness that often comes with them. This oil is so lightweight and absorbs almost on contact which makes it a perfect morning time staple for me. And the scent is so light and fresh, I have actually skipped fragrance a few times when wearing this.

2. It Cosmetics Your Brows But Better - It's hard to pull me away from my two favorite brow pencils, this one and this one, but I was intrigued by a brow pencil that claimed to be a "universal" shade. I did give it the side eye for a second, but surprisingly it worked perfectly! It's an easy to wear brown shade with a gray undertone that doesn't darken throughout the day. I am wearing it in this Instagram picture and think the payoff is quite natural. I am still unsure how it would look on those with super blonde hair, but to be honest I could see almost any shade of brunette or those blondes with dark roots pulling this off quite well.

3. Kate Somerville Age Arrest Hydrating Firming Mask - I've been on a roll lately with Kate Somerville masks. I just reviewed this one and this one here - and here I am back with another great option. While I have a ton of hydrating masks, this has a distinctly thicker texture and leaves my skin very firm after using. I have even slept in it and found that it wears beautifully as a sleeping mask! I just use a little less and find I wake up with beautiful supple skin. If you are looking for a hydrating mask but need it with a bit more oomph - I would recommend this one which provides the firming and anti-aging benefits as well as the moisture.
4. Stila Color Balm Lipsticks in Sophie and Isabelle - Ugh, give me all the balm lipsticks. I am such a sucker for a. lipsticks b. balm c. the perfect nude shades. I had never tried these Stila lipsticks before and frankly - I don't know why the heck not! They are BEA-U-TI-FUL. Medium coverage, soft and hydrating, longer wearing than most balms and their nude lip color options are right on the money. I fell in love with Isabelle a tad more because it really adds the perfect amount of color while still being quite nude so it can look great with nothing on the eyes or even a smokey eye.
*pr samples included

What are some of the products you have been loving lately? Tell me in the comments below! I love hearing your suggestions.

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10/27/14

Two Body Products I Am Currently Loving

Project No Winter Alligator Skin is now in full effect. The radiator heat is blasting in my apartment as we speak (and it's not even that cold - rude), and I can feel my skin beginning to get drier. I recently have been using these two body products and have been loving the results. I think they are going to be just what I need to carry me into the winter season.

1. Kate Somerville Exfolikate Body - The regular Exfolikate for the face is such an intense exfoliating treatment that I was curious as to how it would translate to a body scrub. Thankfully, it takes all the elements that make Exfolikate so great, adds a bit of a creamy texture for a gorgeous exfoliating experience. The texture is granular but not as dense as Exfolikate for the face, and a little bit can go a long way. I apply this all over my body while in the shower, and then wait a minute or two so the steam can activate the enzymes and then rinse off. For me, it gives the perfect balance of a gentle yet thorough exfoliation. And the added enzyme exfoliation aids in ensuring my skin stays softer for longer than a standard body scrub. And the fact that there is no annoying oily residue left in my tub that I can slip after makes this even more of a "love" product for me.

2. Sunday Riley Juno Body Transformative Body Lipid Serum - I'm quite the fan of beauty oils - cleansing oils, face oils and body oils are all staples in my routine. However, I had heard this Juno Serum was a bit different in the way that it helps with not only hydration, but with the tone and elasticity of the skin. I've been using for a few weeks now and while the results are ever so slight, I have noticed a difference. Typically with many of my body oils, they simply feel great and keep my skin soft and smooth. While the Juno Serum does all of those things, I have noticed my skin seems more toned and taut as well which was a pleasant surprise. Another added bonus is I can get dressed quicker than my other body creams and oils because this Juno Serum soaks in amazingly fast. And in the morning, those few minutes can really make a difference! Firmer skin and a few minutes extra sleep - sold!
*pr samples included


8/1/14

My Current Body Contouring Products

I have cellulite. There I said it. It's nothing to be ashamed of and I have had it almost my entire life. Even when I was a figure skater in my teens, skating 8+ hours a day, I still had cellulite. It's not something I obsess over to be honest because that would be pointless, but I am a beauty product fanatic and have been wanting to try both of these products from Clarins for quite some time. I know there are other more permanent treatments out there for cellulite such as wrap treatments, lasers or heat technology (I've been reading about this one lately), but I am not sure I want to take it to that level right now. But never say never, I do love a good beauty treatment. But back to the less permanent options, I was curious after Clarins sent these products over to see if I would truly notice any difference. Who am I to turn down an opportunity for a firmer (looking) backside??

1. Clarins Tonic Body Treatment Oil - This oil is ideally designed to help skin firmness and prevent stretch marks, i.e. during pregnancy. As I am not with child, the second feature was not necessarily designed for my needs, but the skin firming aspect was the initial appeal. I should first mention how to use the oil because it can be a bit confusing. I typically apply to my thighs, legs and stomach in the shower after exfoliating and/or cleansing, rub into the skin and then rinse it off with a cold shower. The very first thing I noticed after using the oil was the immediate decrease in bloating and swelling that my legs suffer from in the summer. In addition to helping with water retention, it is incredibly hydrating and nourishing to my skin. I did see a slight difference in firmness after using a few days, but that was nothing compared to when I combined it with the Body Lift Cellulite Control. That is when I really saw a difference.

2. Clarins Body Lift Cellulite Control - I will preface this review by saying that any results I had were temporary. It truly helped smooth the appearance of areas that had cellulite, but my skin went back to normal as soon as I discontinued use. But that being said, I do love this product. My skin looked smoother and tighter after just two days, and when added on top of the Tonic Body Treatment Oil - wow!! I was walking around with the thighs of a 20 yr old. Ok, maybe that's a bit of a stretch, but seriously the combination of the two made a serious difference in my thighs' appearance. I probably wouldn't use this product all year round, however I can say with certainty that it will be a staple each and every summer going forward. I had heard for years that nobody does body contour products like Clarins, and you know what? "They" were right. Both of these products are amazing and now I wonder why it took me so long to try them! The more you know....


What are some of your favorite body firming products? Tell me in the comments below!

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5/23/14

Summer Skin Prep

 photo fc5e6f43-f8f8-46fd-b033-fb9eeb80b5c0.jpg Though my skin turns into nothing short of alligator hide during the winter season, I don't take as many steps necessary to keep it hydrated as I do during the spring/summer. Probably because my arms and legs are hidden under 15,000 layers in the colder months, which can make me lazy. But all bets are off in the warmer months since limbs are exposed every day and a sundress with scaly legs or ashy elbows is never a cute look. My summer skin prep has already begun and I have a few new products I am using this year mixed with a classic staple that never leaves my shower.

1. Dove Sensitive Skin Nourishing Body Wash - Probably one of the longest relationships I've ever had is with this body wash. I actually can't remember a time when I have not used it - it's that good. Many different body washes have tried to infiltrate my shower, but none have lasted. That's because this one is gentle yet effective, unscented and incredibly nourishing on the skin. Oddly enough, this was recommended to me by my gynecologist because it was safe enough to be used anywhere on the body (even on one's lady parts - yes, I said lady parts), and would not irritate. I am not consistent with most skincare and makeup that I use because I love to try new things, but this is one product that I will never stray from. We are in it for the long haul.

2. Laura Mercier Creme Brulee Sugar Scrub* - "It's a body scrub, and it exfoliates. The end." - is what I thought I would say after using this scrub. Boy was I in for a surprise. I actually said "Wow" after my first use, and consider it one of the best scrubs I have ever used. The texture is incredibly thick, almost like honey which makes it a bit more of a challenge to rub in, but as the product is massaged in, it warms up and begins to turn into a liquid. Sugar is more healing than salt so my skin always feels nourished and soothed after. Oh, and it smells like creme brulee. YUM, now I want a cupcake. 

3. REN Moroccan Rose Otto Body Oil - If the immediate absorption doesn't lure you in, then the scent will. I find that when using this I rarely need perfume, and the delicate rose scent is pleasant without being overpowering. I use this in the morning because it dries quickly and allows me to get dressed almost immediately. No residue is left and my skin feels incredible. 

4. Tatcha Indigo Soothing Silk Body Butter - While the REN body oil is perfect for day time, I tend to like something a bit more rich at night. I have seen this Tatcha body cream all over Instagram and I just had to try for myself. And now I know why everyone is loving it - it is pure decadence, yet extremely effective. Designed for all skin types, especially sensitive and those with eczema, rosacea or dermatitis, this helps to immediately soothe my skin, and any skin irritation is immediately calmed. This will definitely stay with me into the winter season.

5. Lancer The Method: Body Nourish* - I had a chance recently to attend a fall launch preview at Bergdorf Goodman and this one from Dr. Lancer was quite unique. It is a body cream containing glycolic acid which helps to exfoliate the skin. I use this once or twice a week in conjunction with my Laura Mercier body scrub and find that the combination of the two have helped keep my skin smoother than it has ever been. An added benefit that I found once I began using this body cream was how even toned my skin began to look especially on my arms, chest and back. While I have always loved using glycolic acid on my face, I never truly made the connection that I would have the same results if used on the rest of my body. Duh, clearly not my brightest moment. Keep your eyes peeled for fall when this launches - it is worth a try!
* press sample



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