Erika's DIY Pumpkin Body Scrub
1/2 cup Pureed Pumpkin
1/2 cup Brown Sugar or Himalayan Salt
1 tbsp Olive Oil
1 tbsp Honey
Pumpkin Sugar Scrub Recipe
Erika Katz is a mother of two and the author of Bonding Over Beauty: A Mother-Daughter Beauty Guide to Foster Self-Esteem, Confidence, and Trust. Erika wrote this guide for mothers and teenagers because she realized that as young girls head toward the teen years, mothers suddenly seem out of touch. In this down-to-earth guide for moms of tweens, Erika Katz offers practical advice for building self-esteem, confidence, and trust by teaching moms how to open up a dialogue during the often awkward preteen and early teen years.
Moody Bee Beeswax Lip Balm Review
Randy and Krista Moody live in Kimberley, B.C., a small mountain town nestled between the Rocky and Purcell Mountains. A few hives are kept at their home but most are kept on wild land in the local area.
Randy Moody started his beekeeping hobby with 2 hives in 1998. He has a passion for nature and the environment, and is committed to the production of pure and natural honey. One summer while Krista was helping Randy with honey extraction, she looked at the leftover beeswax, and had an idea. In her lifetime she had bought and used copious amounts of lip balm, and she was determined to make a beeswax lip balm that would be better than anything she had tried. After years of intense research and experimentation her goal was achieved. You will love Moody Bees Beeswax Lip Balm ($5.45)!
Considering that this lip balm is made with beeswax, I thought it would be waxy or sticky. This is what turned me off with Burt's Bees, but this isn't the case at all with Moody Bees Beeswax Lip Balm. It's really moisturizing, smooth, and soothing for dry, chapped lips. The Peppermint makes your lips slightly tingly, but the Vanilla balances it out nicely. It doesn't stay on after eating or drinking, but that's just a small issue since most lip products are like that. Excellent product at a great price!
The product(s) in this review was provided to the reviewer for keeps and the purpose of writing a review. This in no way effects the quality of the review provided. No monetary exchange occurred in exchange for the writing of the review. The views expressed in this review are strictly that of the reviewer. All reviews provided here are the work of the reviewer and remain completely unbiased.
Randy Moody started his beekeeping hobby with 2 hives in 1998. He has a passion for nature and the environment, and is committed to the production of pure and natural honey. One summer while Krista was helping Randy with honey extraction, she looked at the leftover beeswax, and had an idea. In her lifetime she had bought and used copious amounts of lip balm, and she was determined to make a beeswax lip balm that would be better than anything she had tried. After years of intense research and experimentation her goal was achieved. You will love Moody Bees Beeswax Lip Balm ($5.45)!
Considering that this lip balm is made with beeswax, I thought it would be waxy or sticky. This is what turned me off with Burt's Bees, but this isn't the case at all with Moody Bees Beeswax Lip Balm. It's really moisturizing, smooth, and soothing for dry, chapped lips. The Peppermint makes your lips slightly tingly, but the Vanilla balances it out nicely. It doesn't stay on after eating or drinking, but that's just a small issue since most lip products are like that. Excellent product at a great price!
The product(s) in this review was provided to the reviewer for keeps and the purpose of writing a review. This in no way effects the quality of the review provided. No monetary exchange occurred in exchange for the writing of the review. The views expressed in this review are strictly that of the reviewer. All reviews provided here are the work of the reviewer and remain completely unbiased.
Heal Tired Legs
High heels are proof that beauty is pain. Women constantly wear uncomfortable (but gorgeous) shoes despite the damage they cause to their feet and legs. Fortunately, with the help of Cures by Avance women can now lessen the effect that wearing heels can have on their legs with this dynamic duo:
I love using the Muscular Ease Massage Oil ($35), because it gives my legs the TLC that it needs after a vigorous workout or general over-exertion. Even though it's a massage, it's not greasy in the least. The smell is divine! It stimulates circulation and eliminates excess fluid, while pains and aches dissipate. The key ingredients are Massage Oil, Juniper, Rosemary, Melissa, and Lavender Oils; all contribute to melting away tension deep within muscle tissue.
You might also want to check out their Anti-Stress Massage Oil ($35), which is good for acne, tension, nervousness, and irritability. Their Energizing Massage Oil ($35) is good for fatigue, nasal congestion, and lack of mental alertness. And, the Massage Oil ($30) is ideal for all skin conditions.
The Stress Relief Sea Bath ($11 - $30) is the ultimate stress reliever after a long and hectic day. Not only it will reduce stress in your legs, but it will banish stress in other areas of your body, while relieving muscle tightness. It's made with a fusion of seaweed, petitgrain, basil, sesame, lavender, sage, and chamomile essences. Simply add one teaspoon into the water and soak for 20 minutes. I feel like I'm at the spa whenever I use this product. It feels that pampering!
You might also want to check out their Stimulating Soak ($11 - $30), which is good for fluid retention, poor circulation, and fatigue.
The product(s) in this review was provided to the reviewer for keeps and the purpose of writing a review. This in no way effects the quality of the review provided. No monetary exchange occurred in exchange for the writing of the review. The views expressed in this review are strictly that of the reviewer. All reviews provided here are the work of the reviewer and remain completely unbiased.
Clarins Eye Definition Mascara Review
The Instant Definition Mascara ($24) is a new, ultra-volume mascara with a rich formula and revolutionary brush that enhances each individual lash for ultimate definition. The key ingredients are Seaweed Extracts to protect, repair, and strengthen lashes. Glycoproteins thicken lashes and adhere for long wear.
It has been a good while since I've discovered a mascara that I've been enamored with. I had been sticking to drugstore brands for the last few months to save money, even though I wasn't totally in love with anything that I was using. I honestly don't think I've ever tried anything else from Clarins before, but I'm eager to foray into the brand a little bit more after trying out this mascara. I love that this mascara doesn't wear off easily, unlike most of the brands I've come across lately. It also doesn't smudge or flake. I wouldn't recommend it if it did, because I know shelling out $24 for mascara is not everyone's idea of a bargain beauty product. Overall, I think it's high time for me to ditch those other mascaras that I have.
Clarins Celebrity Make-Up Artist, Pati Dubroff, has been testing the Instant Definition Mascara ($24) and it has already become a staple in her kit. Tips below from Pati on how to use this new mascara.
1. Apply the Instant Definition Mascara before applying your other eye make-up. Doing it at this point allows you to get close to the base of the lash and if some mascara gets on the lid, it's easy to remove without messing up the eye make-up.
2. Once it dries, apply eye make-up (such as liner and/or eye shadow).
3. Then apply a top coat of the Instant Definition Mascara, keeping the brush horizontal to build volume on the center lashes.
4. Next, carefully wipe the brush with a clean tissue to focus on the smaller and lower lashes to remove any excess mascara and avoid clumping.
5. Hold the brush vertically and carefully cover the inner and lower lashes - the key is a light dusting, not a clumpy heavy coat.
6. The smaller bristles on the tip of the Instant Definition Mascara brush are perfect to work through clumps; treat it like a comb!
The product(s) in this review was provided to the reviewer for keeps and the purpose of writing a review. This in no way effects the quality of the review provided. No monetary exchange occurred in exchange for the writing of the review. The views expressed in this review are strictly that of the reviewer. All reviews provided here are the work of the reviewer and remain completely unbiased.
Makeup to Make a Glowing First Impression
When you’re young, the world is your oyster. From the first days of school to first days on the job, to first dates with that special someone, life is peppered with new and exciting encounters, where the first impression means just about everything. Rather than crumble under the pressure, it’s important to stay poised and confident, and to be satisfied with your overall appearance – because, after all, that’s your first chance to make your mark. These big moments can be stressful, so we’ve asked Gail Sagel, Makeup Artist, President, and CEO of FACES Beautiful and creator of the Brush-On Liquid Mineral Makeup, to give us some beauty tips that can make life’s important first impressions just a little bit easier to handle.
· Here, the most important thing to remember is: don’t overdo it. You want to enhance your natural features, but still look like you. If you’re still tan from the summertime, apply a sheer tinted moisturizer and skip the foundation.
· A little color never hurt anyone. Add some blush or bronzer to spots that are fading, apply to the tops of the apples of your cheeks. A good trick for teens is to smile and apply blush – this helps you to focus on the right area of your face.
· Stick with a neutral colored eyeshadow for a classic day look. If you’re an eyeliner girl, make the liner thin; don’t go too thick or heavy. Save your dramatic eye looks for weekends and parties.
· Add a couple coats of mascara. Go with a pinkish or nude lip gloss that is close to your normal lip color.
· The most important thing is to feel confident and happy about the makeup you’re wearing, and not to hide underneath it. Highlight your beauty by keeping it simple and neat.
· The hard part is over: you’ve got the job. But sometimes, the first day of work is even more stressful than the interview. Take a look around and observe the traditional makeup look of the workplace: it looks natural, but it’s not.
· Go with light-weight coverage, a tinted moisturizer or foundation, using just as little as possible on the face. Use concealer to hide any blemishes, and choose a blush color that complements your skin tone. Mimic your natural flush shade for a flattering choice that is not overpowering.
· A matte lip color, either a lipstick or lip stain, is the most appropriate option. Gloss can be distracting and needs to be reapplied regularly.
· Eye shadows in tan, brown, and cream that blend with your skin tone is the best bet for the workplace. A little shimmer is fine, as long as it’s not extreme.
· A thin line of eyeliner and mascara should be sufficient. A little extra eyeliner that is done neatly is certainly acceptable, but skip the drama of a liquid liner. You want to be able to focus on your daily tasks, and not have to worry about reapplying your makeup.
· First dates are all about expressing yourself. When in doubt, use the less is more approach; don’t overcompensate for mistakes with more makeup.
· Use a concealer for blemishes, a bit of foundation to blend skin tone, and powder if needed. Go for a natural blush color at the tops of the apples of your cheeks. Dab some white eye shadow into the corner of your eye; this will make your eyes pop.
· Pick one area of your face to go a little crazy. The eyes are always a good choice here. Whether you choose a smoky look, using neutral browns to blend a sultry shade, or a light, sparkly,creamy shadow, both options are flattering and fun.
· Use a few coats of mascara and your favorite eyeliner, liquid or pencil, to create a dramatic look. Keep lips simple with a soft nude gloss. If you go with a bolder lip, tone down the eyes so that one area of your face really draws the attention.
· Don’t overdo makeup in multiple areas. You want to look like you, just a little bit fancier. Have fun with your look, and use it to demonstrate your personality by showcasing your best features.
First Day at School
· Here, the most important thing to remember is: don’t overdo it. You want to enhance your natural features, but still look like you. If you’re still tan from the summertime, apply a sheer tinted moisturizer and skip the foundation.
· A little color never hurt anyone. Add some blush or bronzer to spots that are fading, apply to the tops of the apples of your cheeks. A good trick for teens is to smile and apply blush – this helps you to focus on the right area of your face.
· Stick with a neutral colored eyeshadow for a classic day look. If you’re an eyeliner girl, make the liner thin; don’t go too thick or heavy. Save your dramatic eye looks for weekends and parties.
· Add a couple coats of mascara. Go with a pinkish or nude lip gloss that is close to your normal lip color.
· The most important thing is to feel confident and happy about the makeup you’re wearing, and not to hide underneath it. Highlight your beauty by keeping it simple and neat.
First Day at Work
· The hard part is over: you’ve got the job. But sometimes, the first day of work is even more stressful than the interview. Take a look around and observe the traditional makeup look of the workplace: it looks natural, but it’s not.
· Go with light-weight coverage, a tinted moisturizer or foundation, using just as little as possible on the face. Use concealer to hide any blemishes, and choose a blush color that complements your skin tone. Mimic your natural flush shade for a flattering choice that is not overpowering.
· A matte lip color, either a lipstick or lip stain, is the most appropriate option. Gloss can be distracting and needs to be reapplied regularly.
· Eye shadows in tan, brown, and cream that blend with your skin tone is the best bet for the workplace. A little shimmer is fine, as long as it’s not extreme.
· A thin line of eyeliner and mascara should be sufficient. A little extra eyeliner that is done neatly is certainly acceptable, but skip the drama of a liquid liner. You want to be able to focus on your daily tasks, and not have to worry about reapplying your makeup.
First Date
· First dates are all about expressing yourself. When in doubt, use the less is more approach; don’t overcompensate for mistakes with more makeup.
· Use a concealer for blemishes, a bit of foundation to blend skin tone, and powder if needed. Go for a natural blush color at the tops of the apples of your cheeks. Dab some white eye shadow into the corner of your eye; this will make your eyes pop.
· Pick one area of your face to go a little crazy. The eyes are always a good choice here. Whether you choose a smoky look, using neutral browns to blend a sultry shade, or a light, sparkly,creamy shadow, both options are flattering and fun.
· Use a few coats of mascara and your favorite eyeliner, liquid or pencil, to create a dramatic look. Keep lips simple with a soft nude gloss. If you go with a bolder lip, tone down the eyes so that one area of your face really draws the attention.
· Don’t overdo makeup in multiple areas. You want to look like you, just a little bit fancier. Have fun with your look, and use it to demonstrate your personality by showcasing your best features.