Jul 29th, 11
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As a mom of three girls, I know that beach bag musts go far beyond a towel and umbrella. A perfectly lovely day at the beach can turn ugly fast when a few of these are forgotten.
Sunscreen – we cover every last inch of our bodies with it, or so we think. Sunburned lips are no picnic and can really hurt. Keep lips covered by making sure your lip balm has sunscreen. Pucker Up carries one with Aloe and SPF15 or a medicated one with SPF30.
Salt water can create some great beachy waves until you try to comb through them. Bringing a wide tooth comb and leave-in detangler helps you get through tangled hair easier and also keep hair from drying out in all the sun. I love the Plugged in Shower Comb because it has a hook to hang it from in the shower and my kids love the smell of the Beyond the Zone Last Call Leave-In Conditioner. Also make sure that any ponytail tie you use is snag free.
It’s also a good idea to bring some makeup remover wipes. Not that I expect you head to the beach with much makeup, but it is a great way to remove sunscreen at the end of the day. I generally keep a pack of the Fria Makeup Remover Towelettes in my beach bag. These have vitamin E which can help soothe and refresh skin.
So there are a few tips from a seasoned mom on how to make your trip the beach a little bit nicer. I would love to hear any other tips you may have.
Jun 8th, 11
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Nothing says summer to me like a gorgeous, golden tan. But, the days of baking in the sun without a care in the world are LONG gone and I’m completely devoted to sunscreen. Good for my skin, but not so good for getting me that summer color I crave. That’s why self-tanners are my go-to savior for summer skin. Here are three easy-to-use options to give you a sun-kissed glow, right at home:
Spray:
The SalonBronze Airbrush Tanning System is the home version of the spray tan salon. Hold the applicator about 12 inches from skin, then spray! It works in any direction, including upside down, and creates a fine mist for even application.
Lotion:
Just spread Toma’s Tan Perfect Self-Tanning Lotion on like any lotion. It goes on smoothly and includes a temporary color guide for accurate application.
Cloth:
The convenient MitTan Self-Tanning Mitt is infused with tanner. Just cut along the dotted line to release the tanner, slip the mitt on your hand, and rub your tan on!
Tips:
No matter which method you choose, always exfoliate and dry your skin completely before applying or reapplying to get even results. And disposable gloves will help you avoid staining your palms. Like any tan, they don’t last forever, so reapply every few days as needed.
May 27th, 11
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Ah summer. Flip-flops, Dreamcicles and days at the beach. Remember when we thought we were good with just a smear of zinc oxide across the nose and baby oil everywhere else? Yeah, that’s hardly the case today. I have replaced my zinc with lotions and creams that help protect my skin, hair color and even manicure from the sun.
I put sunscreen on every day. EVERY DAY. This is no longer just for a day at the beach, ladies. Before I put any makeup on, I start with a daily lotion with SPF in it. My esthetician convinced me to try a tinted lotion with SPF 60. Yeah, that felt like I covered my face with butter and I don’t recommend it. I stick with Beyond Belief Vita C + 15 SPF moisturizer. It’s light and 15 SPF will keep you covered during your commute to the office or trip to check the mail.
I also color my hair and as a working mom/housekeeper/dog walker/personal chef, I simply do not have time to color more than I already do. So it is very important for me to keep my color as long as I possibly can. I use color protect shampoo and conditioner, but I also use color protect styling products. Yup, they have sun protection for your hair. These help prevent your hair color from fading, therefore extending the time between coloring.
Have you noticed after an afternoon at the pool your manicure or pedicure will look a little yucky? Yup, sun can fade dark colors and yellow lighter ones. There are a ton of topcoats with UV protection. Orly Polishield is a good one.
So there you have it, a small bit of summer advice. I would love to hear any other summer saviors you may have. Wait, is that the ice-cream truck? Got to go!
Feb 18th, 11
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Pssst! I have a secret (weapon) to share!
My secret is the iSkin Resurfacing Stick. It literally resurfaces and polishes your skin in minutes, giving you beautiful spa fresh skin. Say buh-bye to expensive and time consuming microdermabrasion treatments, and hello to a fatter wallet!
To use, just moisten the stick and apply to clean, damp skin. Using moderate upward strokes move the resurfacing stick in a circular motion across the face and neck for two minutes. Rinse and you’re done! But, don’t overdo it. Two to three times a week is plenty.
Here’s a tip – I keep mine in the shower and while I condition my hair, I resurface my skin. Time saver!
But wait, there’s more. (Infomercial speak alert!) 10 lucky people are going to get to try this for free. Oh and we’ll throw in another product, the iSkin Eye Treat Moisturizer, just because we love you. Enjoy!
To enter, leave a comment on this post. The giveaway will be open between now and Sunday, February 20 at 11p.m. CST. Winners announced on Monday!
Limit one comment per person. CONSUMER DISCLOSURE: NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. Open only to legal residents of 50 US states and DC, 18 or older, who have Internet access and a valid email address prior to 2/18/11. To enter, access Sally Beauty Blog at http://sallybeautyblog.com/ from 10 am CT on 2/18/11 to 11 pm CT 2/20/11 and post a comment to the iSkin Resurfacing Stick blog entry and provide your screen name and valid email address. Entries must be received by 11 pm CT on 2/20/11. Limit one entry per person. One prize to be awarded in random drawing on or about 2/21/11. Prize is a iSkin Resurfacing Stick and iSkin Eye Treat Moisturizer. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received. Void where prohibited by law. For official rules and winner’s list (after 2/21/11), visit http://sallybeautyblog.com/ or mail request to: Sally, Attn: Blog Promotion, PO Box 490, Denton, TX 76202. Sponsor: Sally Beauty Supply LLC.
Jan 12th, 11
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Well, if the delay in this post is any sign of the year to come, I’m in trouble. Ah well, better late than never.
I did it. I made resolutions at the stroke of midnight. I even uttered them out loud so that in later moments of weakness I can’t back out. I have my standard improvements: waste less, eat better, floss regularly. But this year I added one that seems slightly vain. This year I have vowed to start defending my skin. Up until recently I have lived in the ignorant bliss of youth, spending long days in the sun and sleeping with my makeup on. I know – it’s ugly and so are the effects. But now the gloves are off! Here is a list of my newly acquired products and my brief review.
Dermactin-TS Age Spot Brightening Serum – I can’t lie to myself anymore. Those are NOT freckles. Thus far I have been diligent in the twice a day application of this serum. I’ve noticed a slight reduction in spot appearance. The product doesn’t give a specific length of time in which to expect results. So I’ll keep using it until the bottle is empty and then let you know my final opinion.
Beyond Belief Vita C+ Exfoliating Apricot Citrus Scrub – I exfoliate my face each morning in the shower. The key is to be gentle. We aren’t sandblasting, just gently exfoliating. This one step in my daily routine makes my face feel so super soft.
Each night after I remove all of my makeup, I liberally (and I mean liberally) apply Beyond Belief Vita C+ Night Antioxidant Crème. I start at the hairline and go all the way down my neck. I swear I see some sort of an instant change. It’s like my face is saying “thank you”. I love this step!
I’ll keep you posted on my fight or as I will call it, the Battle of the Blemish. There is no way I can get to all the products we have out there, so I want to hear from anyone who has found that magic crème, paste or polish. I wish each of you a year of beautiful skin!
Dec 17th, 10
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What: We’re giving away 12, 8 piece sets of Frutique beauty by nature to 12 lucky winners! Each set is valued at $100.
Why: We’re just plain excited about our new line!
When: Visitors can enter December 17-19. One winner will be chosen at random on December 20, 2010.
How: Just leave a comment on this post between December 17-19 to be entered for a chance to win.
Limit one comment per person. CONSUMER DISCLOSURE: NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. Open only to legal residents of 50 US states and DC, 18 or older, who have Internet access and a valid email address prior to 12/16/10. To enter, access Sally Beauty Blog at http://sallybeautyblog.com/ from 10 am CT on 12/17/10 to 11 pm CT 12/19/10 and post a comment to the Frutique Giveaway blog entry and provide your screen name and valid email address. Entries must be received by 11 pm CT on 12/19/10. Limit one entry per person. One prize to be awarded in random drawing on or about 12/20/10. Prize is a set of Frutique beauty by nature. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received. Void where prohibited by law. For official rules and winner’s list (after 12/20/10), visit http://sallybeautyblog.com/ or mail request to: Sally, Attn: Blog Promotion, PO Box 490, Denton, TX 76202. Sponsor: Sally Beauty Supply LLC.
Dec 15th, 10
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Oh, the beauty of fruit for your face!
Yes, seriously. Are you aware of the benefits of super foods for your face? Well, let me fill you in. Fruit provides vital antioxidants and vitamins that keep you healthy. As the body’s largest organ (yes, the skin is an organ), skin thrives on the same vital nutrients that fuel the body; fruit provides these.
Sally Beauty’s new skincare collection, Frutique beauty by nature, is a perfect combination of nature and science, resulting in powerful fruit-based formulas to regenerate, protect and nourish your skin. I’ve used them all and think they’re great! A daily dose of Frutique is recommended for all skin types! Treat your skin right by establishing a skincare regimen.
Start off with the Berry Berry Purifying Cleanser. Next move to the Papaya Enzymes Exfoliating Gel. Both of these will get your skin perfectly clean, and smell refreshing in the process. But, remember not to over-exfoliate! Two times a week is just right.
The Citrus Essence Brightening Crème evens out skin tones and clears blemishes. This is my favorite fragrance!
Lastly for your daily moisturizer, choose what you are most comfortable with. The Hydrating Peach Smoothing Crème is best for with early signs of aging. Harvest Grape Firming Crème for those that need a little bit more umph!
End your day (after you’ve cleansed, of course) by applying the Apricot Nectar Nourishing Mask. It works to hydrate, smooth and soften the skin. Top that off with the Apple Night Restore Crème for intensive wrinkle reducing at while you sleep!
Be sure to check back Friday for some fabulous freebie fun! You won’t want to miss out!
Dec 3rd, 10
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Ah, it’s winter time. It’s getting cooler, the air is dry and for most of us that means dry skin, which means equals dry cuticles.
Winter is the worst time of year on cuticles, so here’s a tip for you:
Keep a bottle of cuticle oil or cuticle cream by your favorite spot in front of the T.V. I suggest Orly Cuticle Therapy Creme or Beauty Secrets Nail Matrix Cuticle Oil. Every night put a small dab on each nail and massage into your cuticles while watching your favorite shows. Not only will your cuticles be nice and moisturized, but massaging stimulates nail growth.
Aug 25th, 10
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So this might be a slight exaggeration...
File this under “Things adults don’t tell you will happen when you get older.”
When I was a teenager, content with my light and barely noticeable peach fuzz above my lip, I had no clue that once I reached my late 20s it would horrifyingly and inexplicably turn dark and coarse. Cue the Psycho soundtrack!
Unfortunately, I don’t know how long I’ve been rocking the ‘stache (Thanks a lot for telling me, family and friends!) because I just happened to notice it the other day while reapplying lipstick at a red light. The bright afternoon sun hit my upper lip just so and I saw that I was in fact, a pubescent boy.
A few months back my best friend called asking for some suggestions on at-home facial wax. Working for Sally Beauty means that I tend to get a lot of these calls and I’m always glad to share all I’ve learned. I gave her a few options and hung up the phone, happy in the knowledge that waxing my upper lip was not something I had to deal with. Those were the good old, innocent days…
Now I figured it was my turn to give her a call, especially since she had
already done all the experimenting and I knew she would give it to me straight. She found that she had the best luck with the Gigi Facial Hair Removal Strips and said that they were quick, easy to use and got the job done. Sold!
So I picked up a box and went home to take care of my “problem.” And you know what? She wasn’t kidding. They were quick, easy and effective. I don’t know what I was expecting but I was pleasantly surprised by how little of a mess they made. So long, mustache. It was not fun while it lasted.
Do any of you wax at home? What products have you found most useful?
Jul 21st, 10
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I flipped open my calendar the other day to see how long I had until my end of summer pool party when my eyes popped out of my head and made that cartoon “BOING” noise. Six weeks? Seriously, I only have six weeks to get ready to wear a bathing suit in front of a bunch of people? Yikes! It is definitely time to get myself to the gym.
Since I hadn’t been in awhile (a.k.a. forever), I needed to restock my gym bag with all my beauty essentials and make sure I was prepared to get physical. Every girl knows that just because you’re sweatin’ it up, it doesn’t mean you have an excuse to look anything less than fabulous.
Here’s what you’ll always find tucked in my bag right alongside my tennis shoes:
- Beyond The Zone Rock On Dry Shampoo is the ultimate time saver, especially when trying to fit a workout into an already hectic schedule. It refreshes, revives, and rejuvenates hair in a matter of minutes—no water or blow dryer required. I love the clean, citrusy scent.
- Looking a little shiny after a session on the treadmill? Palladio Rice Paper Powdered Blotting Tissues are unique, oil-absorbing two-sided, tissues that are made with natural rice, which is gentle for the skin and helps eliminate shine. The matte side is for blotting to absorb the excess oils and the powdered side is for finishing.
- It’s important to clean your face before AND after working out to prevent clogged pores and breakouts, so Beyond Belief Deep Cleansing Towelettes are a must. Plus, they’re perfectly portable!
- The uses for MetaGrip Premium Bob Pins are endless. Have bangs or short layers? Nothing is more distracting than having hair stuck to your face during a workout so use these to pin up any loose strands. After you finish your workout use them to create an easy updo. Just gather your hair into a low ponytail, twist into a simple bun, secure with bob pins, and voila, you have a style that works great for hair that’s not exactly at its cleanest.
- The Plugged In Mini Flat Iron’s small but mighty size is great for on-the-go beauty and won’t take up much room. It’s perfect for smoothing bangs and straightening hair at the nape of the neck where it tends to get a little wavy during a workout.
- Rubber bands can leave an indentation, so if you need to go from the gym to another event, be sure pull your hair up with a DCNL Hair Twister. They effectively secure hair without leaving that tell-tale ponytail line.
As a mom of three girls, I know that beach bag musts go far beyond a towel and umbrella. A perfectly lovely day at the beach can turn ugly fast when a few of these are forgotten.
