Thursday, December 27, 2012

super body scrubs

Body scrubs are an essential part of any shower-time ritual (and I should know, I've got about three tubs of scrub going in my shower).  Not only does scrubbing yourself down feel like an indulgent spa ritual but it will keep the skin on your body younger longer.  Just like on your face, exfoliating your body encourages cell turnover rate - an important factor in anti-aging.  Smooth, silky skin is another benefit, as well as a releasing of toxins and debris.  I recommend scrubbing before any shaving routine for a smoother shave that will help prevent ingrown hairs.

There are all kinds of body scrubs out there, some with additional targeted results such as hydrating, slimming, or invigorating - so I've picked a range of scrubs that I want to talk about, each totally fantabulous in their own right.

Sugar scrubs are extremely popular because they are gentle and hydrating and usually smell scrumptious.  My all time favorite sugar scrub is the natural Carol's Daughter Brown Sugar Scrub.  In an almond oil base, this scrub is hydrating as well as exfoliating.  Once the sugar crystals scrub away your dead skin, they dissolve deliciously into your body and the oil lingers to retain moisture all day long.  But best of all is the heavenly scent of brown sugar and chocolate!

On the other end of the spectrum is the clinical Derma Doctor's KP Duty Body Scrub.  Although it is specifically formulated to get rid of those little red "chicken skin" bumps (keratosis pilaris = KP), it serves as a wonderful body scrub for almost any skin type.  The secret to its success is that it combines glycolic acid with gentle synthetic scrubbing beads.  KP Duty does double duty!  And the beads don't dissolve on contact, but stick around to do the job they were meant to do, and the nice big tub will last you forever.

Another type of scrub is the salt scrub.  This type is often used at spas because it is a natural form of exfoliation that does thorough work while the mineral content is nourishing for your skin.  For the smoothest of smooth, I recommend Sinfulicious Mineral Body Scrub.  You can customize your scent (I like the ginger, pink grapefruit, ylang ylang combo) for an uplifting shower experience, but whatever fragrance you choose, the scrub itself will leave your skin velvety beyond velvety.

Slimming scrubs are usually used in conjunction with a body slimming serum or cream, but used alone they also serve as excellent detoxification.  Caudalie Crushed Cabernet Scrub drains excess fluid and can potentially minimize the look of cellulite.  Made with crushed grapeseeds and grapeseed oil, it is packed with antioxidants and is gentle on the skin - no tugging or tearing here.  I particularly love it because it is a French product and the French rule when it comes to spa treatments for the body.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

last minute stocking stuffer ideas

I am one of those annoying people who gets their holiday shopping done early.  But it's mostly because I love to give gifts.  And of course any excuse to shop......
I think most people leave the pesky stocking stuffer shopping until the last minute and end up scouring Walgreen's at 9 pm Christmas eve, only to end up with SpongeBob bandaides, Schick Razors, and VO5 hot oil treatment.  But that doesn't have to happen.  Even if you wait til nearly the last moment possible there are still bound to be some cute gifts out there - don't settle for the Nivea hand cream cream.  For example you could look for:

Sephora Collection Nail Wand is an absolutely adorable stack of mini nail polishes in luxe colors. It is irresistible to girls and women of any age - a no-brainer for anyone that does their own nails.

Fresh Oval Soap comes in a variety of sensuous fragrances, from the light and citrusy cintron de vigne to the earthy patchouli.  The highest quality triple-milled soap, it comes wrapped in the most delicate and delightful paper.  The ideal gift.




Bobby Brown Tube Tint Trio are universally flattering lip glosses that work for Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall.  If you buy into the theory that a gal can never have too many lip glosses, this trio will fit the bill.  And who doesn't love Bobby Brown?

Belle Fleur Classic Floral Petite Trio  candles come in sophisticated-looking tortuous shell votives and smell simply divine.  The trick here is to divide up the gift box and give the candles to three different recipients.


Marvis Toothpaste is a fun and funky import from England.  What may be an everyday staple to the British translates into something exotic stateside.  Go conservative and pick 'strong mint', or go exotic and choose 'ginger mint' or jasmin mint'.

Tarina Tarantino Jewel Mirror is a cool oval compact that will jazz up any makeup bag.  Perfect for the girly-girl who always has to have a little bling.