Bella's Beauty Spot

Bath & Body Works Fresh Pickled Party

2012-02-24T19:17:00.000-08:00

Delight in everything you love about spring at the Bath & Body Works Fresh Picked Party, Saturday, March 17, 10 am – 4pm. From just-picked fresh fruits to flowers in full bloom, take a stroll through Bath & Body Works farmer’s market themed event to experience new lush, juicy scents in our Anti-Bacterial, Home Fragrance and Signature Collections.

Take a moment to escape winter and embrace the arrival of spring at the BBW Fresh Picked Party where guests are invited to:

• Bring the bounty of the marketplace home with our NEW Fresh-Picked Candles & Wallflowers®. Our Home Fragrance Experts will be on hand to show you how to enrich any space with the irresistible scent of ripe fruits like Market Peach and Wild Strawberries.

• Enter to win one of eight limited edition gingham-printed BBW bikes to ride to the market in style and flaunt your Bath & Body Works pride!

• Tote your fresh picked goodies in the Market Day Jute bag, a FREE gift with any Home Fragrance purchase. This stylish bag includes your choice of an Anti-Bacterial Gentle Foaming Soap in Fresh Picked Peaches or Fresh Picked Raspberries. Get to the store early to pick up one while supplies last!

WHO: Bath & Body Works

WHAT: Fresh Picked Party

WHEN: Saturday, March 17th

10am - 4pm

WHERE: Bath & Body Works stores nationwide

Visit the Event Page at Facebook.com/BathandBodyWorks or go to BathandBodyWorks.com/Event for details.

Currently Loving: Perricone SUPER Brightening Activator

2012-02-21T20:34:00.000-08:00

Perricone's SUPER Melon Brightening Activator is a revolutionary, triple-action treatment prep that exfoliates without stripping the skin of natural oils, hydrates by sealing in moisture and brightens the appearance of discoloration, hyper-pigmentation and sun spots with the brightening power of Carotenoids.

First of all, Perricone's SUPER line is nothing short of amazing. I've tried many products and I love each and every one. Although not as strong as the original Perricone products, they are all fun, full of delicious scents and each one makes your skin more youthful and brighter. The Brightening Activator is no exception. Dull, boring skin can really benefit from any of the SUPER line up. Each product gives your face a boost of energy and youth!

SUPER by Perricone is meant for younger skin looking to keep it fresh and bright, while the original Perricone line up is for older skin looking to reduce wrinkles and improve firmness. Although I am no longer in my 20s, SUPER is still my favorite because I really think all the SUPER products do wonders at brightening. They won't reduce wrinkles or dramatically firm your skin, but they will give you a fresher smoother glow. My skin has been lacking brightness and has been extremely dull due to my hormones being crazy from being pregnant, so the brightening activator is just what I needed.

So what do I think about the Brightening Activator? Nothing short of amazing. I've only been using it for a little over a week, and my skin has changed drastically. The ingredients include Vitamin C, Lactic Acid and Phytic Acid, all of which are meant to lighten and brighten your face. Another plus is the formula is extremely lightweight and smells delicious! I wouldn't say it's a "melon" scent but more on the herbal side with a bit of a sugary smell underneath somewhere.

The SUPER line from Perricone is slightly cheaper then the original, however a 4 oz bottle will still cost you $38. HIGHLY recommend for my readers who need a little pick me up with their dull dry skin. Or, if you simply need a little more "glow" The Melon Brightening Activator might be just what you need. Not to mention, it's a gorgeous pink color too.. . this was really calling my name!! Imagine a product that gives you a warm glow without having to use a blush, or bronzer. Available now at getsuper.com

Disclosure: A press sample was sent to me for consideration from PR for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own. No monetary compensation was received.

Rembrandt Deeply White Prize Pack Review + Giveaway

2012-02-21T19:37:00.000-08:00

A couple weeks ago Rembrandt sent me a package of goodies containing toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss and a teeth whitening kit, and I've been using it all every single day. Rembrandt is a company I've known about for many years, but never really checked it out. I know my mother uses Rembrandt all the time, and has told me how great their teeth whiteners are; I'm just not quite sure why I never bought their brand. The first thing I really loved was their toothpaste. I've always used products like Crest but I was highly impressed with the Rembrandt toothpaste not only because of the yummy taste but because of it's impressive whitening results..

Rembrandt Deeply White + Peroxide Whitening Toothpaste.

The Rembrandt Deeply White + Peroxide Whitening Toothpaste was made to not only whiten your smile, it was created to also restore tooth enamel. This is the first and only fluoride toothpaste that uses the same safe ingredient that cosmetic dentists use.

How does it work?

The Rembrandt Deeply White + Peroxide Whitening Toothpaste contains Sodium Fluoride which is an anti cavity agent that strengthens teeth by restoring the tooth enamel. If that wasn’t enough… the rapid release peroxide works on contact to get deep stains inside of your teeth to visibly whiten them. This has got to be my favorite toothpaste from the Rembrandt collection. I have noticed a huge difference in the color of my teeth, and it quickly rinses off my coffee stains or soda stains. Love it!

Another great toothpaste is the Rembrandt Winter Mint Peroxide Toothpaste. It tastes great, and also whitens your teeth, just a different flavor then the fresh mint. Will get rid of stains without scratching enamel. My dentist always tells me to make sure I get a toothpaste that has fluoride, and of course each one of the Rembrandt Toothpastes contain this along with other active ingredients.

And who doesn't love a good toothbrush? Reach Toothbrushes are clinically proven to remove more plaque then other brushes. You can buy these anywhere, and they work great for those pesky back teeth you can never reach. I love the curvy angled head which works great to get my back molars. Finding a good toothbrush is a must for every person, not every toothbrush is created equal, and if you're purchasing toothpaste or a tooth brush simply because it's cheaper then others, well this is a mistake. You should always do your research, it is your teeth! And you gotta take care of them! Reach Toothbrushes are available at your local drugstore for $3.99-$5.99

The Rembrandt 2 Hour Whitening Kit is designed to provide whiter teeth in only 2 hours. Contains the same enamel-safe ingredients used by dentists. Contains a proprietary BIO-AVAILABLE peroxide that starts working immediately on contact. COMFYTRAY applicators mold under hot water to form to teeth and make for an easy and comfortable application. So I accidentally messed it all up by melting one of my comfytrays.. Oops! I put it in way too hot water and it was a disaster. But I managed to mold it a bit to my teeth so I could still use the tray. This can easily be avoided by using warm water instead of scalding hot. (Which is something that is listed clearly in the instructions)

So yes the process says it takes 2 hours, but that is 2 hours of sitting, while you can do other things. The process is like other teeth whiteners because you put the product in the little tray and let it sit on your teeth for 20 minutes at a time. Makes it easy to do homework, chores or anything else. (Other then talking)

The one thing I require with a teeth whitener is that it doesn't cause sensitivity

on my teeth. Certain whiteners irritate certain teeth, making it extremely uncomfortable. I was happy to say the Rembrandt Whitener didn't irritate or hurt my gums in any way. The 2 hour teeth Whitening Kit sells for around $22, which is a steal compared to an expensive dentist visit. I found the process fairly easy and not messy or too time consuming. I did see a difference in the shade of my front teeth as soon as the 2 hours were up.

If you're going to purchase the Whitening Kit, I would just suggest making sure you don't dip your tray into super hot water, like I did! Because once you mess up the tray, it's hard to fix.

All the Rembrandt products seen above and more can be purchased on Rembrandt.com or your local drugstore. Walmart and Target will also carry Rembrandt.

The Giveaway: One lucky winner will win a prize pack like I received which will contain a 2 hour Whitening Kit, a Toothbrush and a Deeply White Toothpaste! Simply fill out the Rafflecopter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Bath & Body Works Paradise Signature Collection

2012-02-21T17:21:00.000-08:00

Get ready for the Aruba Coconut Collection from Bath and Body Works, one of the fragrances in the new Paradise Signature Collection. Each scent comes in fun bright packaging and a colorful name to go with it. Although I'm a huge fan of Bath and Body Works, I can't stand anything coconut, so when I heard about the Aruba Coconut collection, I knew I would pass. But when I finally got a sniff of the shower gel, my attitude changed. Best way to explain Aruba Coconut is, you're laying on the beach with a pineapple coconut drink with an umbrella in it. The smell of the drink reminds me exactly of Bath and Body Work's Aruba Coconut. A delicious pina colada in a bottle. I really don't even smell coconut, which for me is a good thing. I smell rich exotic fruits. The smell matches perfectly with the packaging and the bright ocean blue of the shower gel.

Top Notes: Juicy Thai Mango, Fuji Apple, White Nectarine

o Mid Notes: Passionflower, Vanilla Orchid, Casaba Melon

o Dry Notes: Coconut Cream, Tahitian Vanilla, Indonesian Sandalwood

And I don't have to tell you about Bath and Body Works Shower Gels, because I'm sure you've all tried them. They are packed full of fragrance, and can also be used as a bubble bath. I'm really impressed with the Aruba Coconut Collection.

There are the other scents in the Paradise Signature Collection:

Rio Rumberry

Top Notes: Thai Papaya, Tangelo, Fresh Coconut Water, Sparkling Summer Lemon

Mid Notes: Tiare Flower Plumeria, Watery Starfruit

Dry Notes: Coconut Cream, Tahitian Vanilla, Indonesian Sandalwood

Bali Mango

Top: Sparkling Tangerine, Asian Apple, Peony
Mid Notes: Thai Lychee, Passion Flower, Pink Rose, Nectarine
Dry Notes: Raspberry Coulis, Skin Musk, Sugar Woods

Body Lotion ($11 USD)

Shower Gel ($11 USD)

Fragrance Mist ($12.50 USD)

Triple Moisture Body Cream ($12.50 USD)

Glowing Body Scrub ($14 USD)

Mini Shimmer Mist ($7 USD) *not pictured

Which scent will you be purchasing? I can't wait to smell Bali Mango!! Available now at BathandBodyWorks.com and of course a Bath & Body Works near you!

Absolis Patyka Rose Toner

2012-02-20T18:38:00.000-08:00

Patyka Absolis Rose Face Toner ($50) is an alcohol-free floral rose water which refines the grain of the skin and maintains its moisture levels. The key ingredients include Rose and Fucose. I've made it very clear that I'm not a fan of anything rose. It's my least favorite floral scent. The Patyka Rose Toner however is light, soft and comforting on the skin. It is fast becoming a must have for my morning and night skincare.
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ABSOLIS is Patyka's organic skin care line. It is a holistic, sophisticated range of luxury daily skin care products dedicated to enhancing the well being and beauty for the face and body.

ABSOLIS has the Essentials combined with eclecticism: the PATYKA emotion

Ingredients include:

Floral Rose Water, (Refreshing, Soothing, Toning and Purifying, it will illuminate the complexion and refine the grains of the skin)

Sugar: Sugar extracts which maintain moisture levels for a prolonged period, leaving the skin supple and protected.

I found the Patyka Rose Face Toner surprisingly refreshing and softening to my face. It's not thicky or creamy, it's a light liquid that is similar to a scented water. You apply with a cotton ball morning and night for the best results. The rose scent is not as strong as I expected, it's very light and diminishes rather quickly. I have a couple dry spots on my skin right now, that this toner has evened out quite nicely. I have been using it morning and night , before my moisturizers. I found it to be very much like a serum I would usually use, which is the most crucial part of my skincare regimen. Cleanse, Tone and moisturize are the key ingredients to a healthy, youthful face.

You can purchase Patyka's Rose Face Toner for $50 at Patyka.com and select retail locations internationally and around the US. Click here to find out the closest US city that you can purchase this toner from. I would recommend this toner for all skin types especially those with an uneven skin tone or areas of dry skin.

Disclosure: A press sample was sent to me for consideration from PR for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own. No monetary compensation was received.

Sigma Beauty Spa Solutions Cleansing Tool Attachments + Coupon Code

2012-02-20T15:00:00.001-08:00

Introducing the new Cleansing Polishing Tool attachments. I love my Sigma Beauty Cleansing Polishing Tool, I use it every night to clean my face. And now, the new attachments are an added plus.

The Sigma Beauty Spa Solutions Kit contains three unique attachments for the Cleansing and Polishing Tool. The attachments were specifically designed to create the ultimate spa experience!

· The extra-soft brush is a silicone attachment that is perfect for gentle cleansing for extra-sensitive skin.

· The unique silicone massager attachment maximizes absorption of skin care products and stimulates skin circulation.

· The exfoliator attachment is a pumice stone, best for removing dead skin cells to reveal healthy looking skin.

Plus I love that it's pink! I love the brush, and the attachments. The massager feels soo nice on my skin, I think that one is my favorite. So if you have the cleansing tool, it's mandatory you get the extras to go with it. They are only $29, and so worth the price.

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The Sigma Beauty Cleansing Tool is available at SigmaBeauty.com and the attachments are also available on the website.

Right now you can use coupon code LOVE2012 for 10% off your order plus a free gift! Expires 2/29/2012.

Disclosure: A press sample was sent to me for consideration from PR for the purpose of this post. All opinions are my own. No monetary compensation was received.

Want List: Valentino Valentina Eau de Parfum

2012-02-17T18:10:00.000-08:00

Ok I might want this one just for the packaging. So gorgeous!

Inspired by a new generation of Italian It girls, no not Snooki, Valentina embodies a rebellious Italian heiress. Cool, free minded and careless, she drives us on her quest to experience today’s Italian dolce vita—the good life—with utter freshness, irreverence and a whole lot of attitude.

Coming soon to a Nordstroms near you.. honestly, I don't care how it smells, I think it would look gorgeous on my dresser!

Votre Vu Tragic Magic Rescue Creme

2012-02-17T17:00:00.000-08:00

"Say it isn't so...this can't be happening to me!" How many times have you felt this way? Too many days to count? Not to fear. Tragic Magic has come to the rescue! It soothes, decongests, desensitizes, rebalances and stabilizes the flush of hyper-reactive skin. That's not all. It will also reinforce the protective barrier of your skin to ward off those pesky free radicals and save the day. Tragic Magic Rescue Crème is designed to correct the excessive sensitivity of the facial skin and restore equilibrium to the self-defending barrier of highly reactive skin. Immediately, the skin is calmed with lime, then desensitized and decongested by a blend of skin defenders. Jojoba, rose hips, calophyllum, soja and avocado insaponifiables protect and balance skin's defenses and, with the protection of vitamin E against cell-damaging free radicals, your skin can re-hydrate to regain a balanced moisture level. With an impressive show, these protective ingredients perform to present your skin with serenity and harmony. No smoke and mirrors with our Magic Trick. Peace in, Peace out."

When I think about Votre Vu, I think about delicious luxurious skin care that smells good enough to eat. Votre Vu's Tragic Magic is a little bit different. I was surprised because it has no smell at all, but still came in the fancy packaging I've come to love so much.

As I have said in earlier posts, and I'm sorry if I sound repetitive, I am now suffering from rosacea on my face, and it's not only embarrassing, but it makes finding good skin care a bit harder. I've had to throw away a lot of my moisturizers because they irritate and redden my skin. I can now only use products meant for "sensitive" skin. I'm still not sure what brought on the rosacea, because before I was pregnant I never had a problem, so it could possibly be my hormones, but lately my skin has been dry, flaky and just plain dull.

Tragic Magic is exactly what the title says, a "rescue cream" It's meant for all skin types and was created specifically for people like me, who have dry rough skin. It's perfect for eczema, rosacea and other skin disorders.

Lately my nose has been extremely red and dry. It's been peeling and everyone has been noticing. Makeup only makes it look worse, so I decided to try the Rescue Creme. After two night of applying before bed time, my nose looked so much better. My dry flaky skin was starting to heal and my foundation looked much smoother and didn't have that "cakey" look you can get when you put face makeup over an irritated face.

Surprisingly, Votre Vu's Tragic Magic sells for $40 which is a steal for the size and quality of the product. So Votre Vu has done it again. Every product they sell continues to impress me. To find out more about Tragic Magic, visit VotreVu.com

Here's a video about the creme, that explains it a bit more in detail. So far it's been working wonders for me! Have you tried Tragic Magic?

Disclosure: A press sample was sent to me for consideration from PR for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own. No monetary compensation was received.

Arm Yourself Against Cold Winter Weather

2012-02-15T17:57:00.000-08:00

HAIR

Davines NaturalTech Nourishing Vegetarian Miracle Conditioner

$30 at www.davines.com for salon locations

This moisturizing conditioner is formulated with Rice, Açai and Passiflora oils to replenish, hydrate, and protect dry and brittle hair.

FACE

Clark’s Botanicals Intense Radiance Mask

$72 at www.clarksbotanicals.com and Space NK

This miracle white clay mask actively boosts collagen production for a smoother, brighter and more luminous complexion. Ideal for acneic, combination and aging skin, Intense Radiance Mask combines four powerful agents:

· A proprietary Collagen-boosting Complex that prevents and reduces wrinkles while promoting elasticity and firmness

· White Genepi — a rare, ECOCERT® certified organic alpine plant extract that clarifies and protects skin while delivering anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties

· A unique Algae extract with proven moisture-retaining properties that immediately lifts, tightens and strengthens connective tissue in the skin

· A highly effective tri-peptide complex that combats redness and skin irritation even as it repairs extracellular damage

“I wanted to create a mask that would revitalize tired skin, but not dry it out. We’ve been testing and perfecting this formulation for two years, and this unique blend of organics, botanicals, and laboratory ingredients target aging from many different angles. I use this three times a week, when my complexion looks gray or when I have breakouts, and I’ve noticed it consistently smoothes and softens skin. My mother and sister love that it boosts collagen production, lifts the skin and fights wrinkles.” —Francesco Clark, founder

BODY

Atopalm Moisturizing Body Lotion

$30 at www.atopalm.com

A lightweight, quickly absorbed, formula for dry, sensitive and eczema-prone skin, this ultra-nourishing blend features olive and grape seed oils blended with Vitamin E. The fast-absorbing, non-greasy formula leaves skin glowing, energized and visibly hydrated!

Ever since I found out I have rosacea, Atopalm's Body Lotion has been a savior to me. It works great not ONLY on your body, but for the dry red areas on my face. And $30 for a huge bottle of this lotion is a steal. It's not perfumed, and is meant strictly to hydrate your dry sore skin. I love slathering it on after a long bath or after the gym, because it quenches my skin like other lotions do not. It leaves your skin soft and silky as well. The only thing that's missing is a yummy smell to go with it, but most body lotions that are really effective won't have a smell, so it doesn't irritate you. It's a must have, for anyone with eczema, rosacea or any other skin disorder that prevents you from having soft moisturized skin.

HANDS

Atopalm Moisturizing Hand Treatment

$18 at www.atopalm.com

A moisturizing emulsion that promotes younger, brighter-looking skin with a hydrating antioxidant blend, this nourishing hand treatment delivers lasting protection. Just as great as the body lotion, this is perfect for your handbag, and if you're on the computer at work all day like me, hand lotion is a must.

FEET

Atopalm Moisturizing Foot and Heel Balm

$18 at www.atopalm.com

Get instant long-lasting moisturization for your most overworked body part – your feet – with this paraben-free foot and heel balm. Clinical studies show that feet are softened and smoothed within five to ten days of continuous use.

At my job, I'm constantly wearing shoes that KILL my feet, so Atopalm's Heel Cream is another must have for me. No one likes to have dry cracked heels, so at night before I sleep I goop on a ton of Atopalm's Foot Balm, and my feet feel refreshed and rested. Pretty feet are so important, especially if you're female, so everyone should have some of this stashed in their beauty cabinet.

Disclosure: A press sample was sent to me for consideration from PR for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own. No monetary compensation was received.

Happy Valentine's Day! Or not!

2012-02-14T19:58:00.001-08:00

5 White Smile Super Foods

2012-02-14T19:52:00.000-08:00

Did you know that, keeping your teeth pearly white consists more of just brushing and flossing regularly? Food and beverage intake also affect the color of your smile. Consuming foods that help maintain the natural white color of your teeth also have lasting results on your overall oral health such as stronger enamel and healthy gums

Cheese

Green Tea

Mushrooms

Pistachios

Yogurt

Who knew right? Read more here....

Living Nature's Radiance Night Oil

2012-02-12T19:05:00.000-08:00

I've never liked putting oil on my skin. It's something I've stayed away from for quite some time, possibly because I'm afraid of breaking out or having skin that feels greasy. Living Nature's Radiance Night Oil is meant for dry mature skin, so if you have oily or even combo skin, you might want to stay away. Lucky for me, I have dry skin, especially when the weather starts to change, which is why now is the perfect time for me to stat using Radiance Night Oil. So what makes the oil so great? It's a combination of many different oils that work in their own ways to make your skin look extra radiant. Organic Rosehip Oil is meant to stimulate cell renewal, reduce fine lines and reduce the look of scars Calendula is meant to soothe and calm your skin Jojoba nourishes and feeds your skin Frankincense Oil which also helps reduce the look of scars and fine lines

Key Ingredients:
•Rose Oil- To stimulate collagen production
•RoseHip Oil: To aid in the repair of damaged skin tissue
•Calendula: To calm and soothe irritated skin
•Carrot Oil: To restore tone
•Jojoba Oil: To nourish
•Frankincense Oil: to help heal blemishes

More reasons to love Living Nature’s skin care line:
•100% Natural Ingredients
•No Parabens
•No Synthetic Preservatives
•No Sulfates
•No Petrochemicals
•No PEG’s, Paraffin or Glycols
•No Silcones or Mineral Oil
•No GMO’s
•No Bisphenol-A (BPA)
•No Phthalates
•No Artificial Fragrances
•BDIH Certified
•All Packaging is fully recyclable and biodegradable
•Packaging contains no Bisphenol-A (BPA), Phthalates, or Dioxin
•All Paper Cartons are sourced from renewable, managed forests
•Inks used for packaging are free from dioxin and elemental chlorine
•Their Kerikeri Facility uses only carbon-neutral hydro and wind energy and filtered rainwater.

The reason this is a "night" cream, is because it's meant to nourish your skin while you sleep. It's not meant to be used during the day time because the oil can degenerate more in the daylight. It's meant to be applied lightly to your cheekbones, neck and upper lip which I found interesting. I put some on my neck and on my cheeks as instructed because my cheekbone area tends to be very dry. I also dabbed a bit on my pores, because I read it can also help to shrink them.

Overall I really like Living Nature's Radiance Oil. I think it's made a difference in the brightness and look of my skin. I wake up feeling refreshed with my skin feeling softer and a lot less dull.

You can purchase Living Nature's Radiance Night Oil for $50 at SaffronRouge.com

Disclosure: A press sample was sent to me for consideration from PR for the purpose of this review . All opinions are my own. No monetary compensation was received.

Eucerin Calming Products Review + Prize Pack Giveaway

2012-02-06T19:03:00.000-08:00

I l grew up on Eucerin. My mom always had it in the bathroom cabinet when I was growing up. Whenever we had dry or itchy skin, out came the Eucerin. I haven't used Eucerin in many many years, but just recently I'm glad I had it handy.

So these last couple weeks since I"ve been pregnant I've had dry flaky patches of skin all over my face, and I found out I have a bit of rosacea. Or at least that's what I think it is. My skin is so irritated and dry, it's almost like a nasty sunburn. It's been happening for a while now and I couldn't figure out what was going on. I had no idea what to use to make it better, until I talked to my mom on the phone and she said "Try Eucerin!" What a coincedence, it just so happened I was getting ready to write a review on all my Eucerin Calming Products, and I thought this would be the perfect time.

I first thought to try the Calming Creme Moisturizer. I was a little iffy because my skin was SO irritated and I didn't want to make it worse. But my mom was telling me a story about how her best friend has eczema and she can only use Eucerin products, nothing else. So I gave it a go. I can honestly tell you that as soon as I applied the lotion, I felt a soothing calm relief on my face. The redness went away a bit, not completely but the irritation was gone. The worst part of the rosacea is the itching and burning feeling that goes along with it. The Calming Creme took the pain away completely and I felt I could go out in public again. Needless to say, it was my lifesaver! Of course it can be used all over your body and not just your face. Arms, legs, neck, wherever you have dry flaky skin, Eucerin works! Of course it's not going to make the problem go away, and it's not a miracle worker, but it does give you relief and made the redness not as noticeable.

So after a couple hours, I tried the Calming Itch Relief Treatment on my face because my face has been not only red and irritated but itchy! And of course itching makes your face more red when you scratch, and it's SO uncomfortable. The formula is meant to last up to 8 hours and like all other Eucerin products, it's free of all chemicals and dyes. So when I applied the itch relief it did work. It didn't take away the redness like the moisturizer, but it did help. It also contains Colloidal Oatmeal which is good for soothing your skin.

The Calming Body Wash is a daily shower oil meant to cleanse your skin without drying it out. Not something I used on my face, but something still meant for skin in need of some serious nourishment. Keep in mind this is meant to moisturize, so it has no fragrance or dyes and it won't lather, but it will get the job done. After my shower, my skin felt great and I didn't even need to put a lotion on, which is something I always do as soon as I get out of the shower.

Overall, the Eucerin Calming Products do just that. They calm your skin, and it's perfect for rosacea, eczema, dermatitis, sunburns and all other annoying skin issues. I've been applying all these products on right before I go to bed to calm me down a bit after a long day and I feel more relaxed and ready for sleep. All the above is also great for children as long as they are over 2 years old. I guess my mother was right all along, Eucerin works.

Eucerin is offering a free sample of calming creme! All you have to do is like Eucerin on Facebook and take the Eucerin Skin First Pledge

And what's the best part? One winner is going to win all 3 products plus a $50 Gift Card!

To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

LUSH Silky Underwear Dusting Powder

2012-02-06T17:30:00.000-08:00

I've come to the conclusion my favorite LUSH product is their dusting powder. It's like a perfume that leaves you sparkling and silky!

Silky Underwear is a very special dusting powder that has captured the imagination of LUSh customers. Grated cocoa butter melts onto the skin for a silky sensation and the powders make sure your body doesn't feel greasy.

The scent is jasmine and and vetiver, but for me it's mostly jasmine and cocoa butter. I'm a huge fan of the flower and LUSH did this one right with their Silky Underwear. Lush is always hit or miss for me, I either love it or I dislike it. And I gotta say, I'm loving Silky Underwear. Plus the name is perfect for the smell! It's a very sensual and seductive scent!

I will say, I'm not a fan of the packaging. Almost like a salt and pepper shaker you shake some on your skin, and you usually end up getting too much. And make sure you don't use it over a black rug because it might get messy. Even though I wish it came in a different dispenser, I still love Lush's dusting powder.

I've been saving this post for this week, so I could tell you this is would be a perfect gift for Valentine's Day! Silky Underwear? Sexy jasmine smell? Any gal would love this, and it's an original gift. No one will expect it!

Lush's Silky Underwear is available now on LUSHUSA.com for $11.99

Disclosure: A press sampel was sent to me for consideration from PR for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own. No monetary compensation was received.

Currently Loving: Molton Brown Paradisiac Pink Pepperpod Bath & Shower

2012-02-03T18:59:00.000-08:00

To spice things up for your Valentine, Molton Brown truly sensual Paradisiac Pink Pepperpod Bath & Shower Gel, with spicy aromatic oils of African ginger, patchouli and pink pepper, is the perfect complement to the best selling Re-charge Black Pepper Body Wash. Steeped in Madagascan black peppercorn, the Black Pepper Bodywash uses black pepper oil which is a natural aphrodisiac, perfect for Valentine’s Day.

Feel the flush. Resonating with warm pink pepperpods from the Gulf of Guinea, our bodywash cleanses your skin, helps to protect it from environmental pollutants and reawakens your energy banks. Spiced aromatic oils of African ginger, patchouli and Reunion Island pink pepper help to lift your spirits and line your path to paradise.

If you haven't tried Molton Brown before, you are really missing out. Every Molton Brown product I've tried smells of elegance and luxury and it's truly bathing heaven. The smells are more on the strong side, dare I say almost like a perfume, but it's never TOO strong. Usually I lean towards softer scents and I usually stay away from strong smells when it comes to bath products, but Molton Brown always does it just right. The smell will linger on your skin, and each Molton Brown scent leaves you smelling fresh and clean.

Pink Pepperpod will awaken and energize you. I have the Bath & Shower Gel, but the aroma also comes in a lotion and bathing milk. The Gel works great for a good bubble bath. My favorite way to use it is with a good book lounging in the bath tub.

I've been using Pink Pepperpod for about a week now, and it's my favorite beauty indulgence in my collection right now. It would be the perfect gift for Valentine's Day. It also comes in gift sets:

Pink Pepper Pampering Gift Set

Black and Pink Pepper Body Wash Set

Since Valentine's Day is coming up, I will continue to post great gift ideas, but I think a Molton Brown Pink Pepper set would really be a great present for that special person in your life.

Paradisiac Pink Pepperpod is available now at Molton Brown.

Disclosure: A press sample was sent to me for consideration from PR for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own. No monetary compensation was received.

Votre Vu Valentine's Day Gift Sets

2012-02-03T17:49:00.000-08:00

Baby Love- Voilà! Here’s proof that good things really do come in small packages. this Valentine’s Day, lavish your love in silky soft hydration from Amour D’Ore Petite, an all-natural cocktail of 11 essential oils and vitamin e – gifted with le bébé Duette, a clever combo of custom blended hand crème and lip balm. $49.00 at votrevu.com

Body Duette- You may need to check your reflection twice... wondering what all the fuss is about after a decadent drenching in one of Vu’s two flirtatious and transcending treats. The distinctive aromas from the flavorful SnapDragon Body Crème and tempting Tarte D’Amande Body Souffle´ are intentionally based on the most desired scents from la cuisine – the instinctive way to the heart. $55.00 at votrevu.com

Love Is On Holiday- Book your “playcation” today... with no regrets or extra baggage! A veritable pleasure trip, this fantasy-inspiring foursome transports your senses to a virtual beach even faster than a mouse click. This skin-softening set of French-crafted scrub, cleansing gelée, nourishing body oil and luxe lotion makes it tres easy to “stay another day or two.” $69.00 at votrevu.com

Mad for Your Man- There’s a Don Draper hiding in every man. Let him out with Votre Vu’s time-tested French trio of

organic shave balm, all-natural elixir and lightweight face crème. With Votre Vu, all he’ll need is a skinny tie to complete the irresistible transformation. Martini lunch, anyone? $69.00 at votrevu.com

All available at Votre Vu

Whitening Lightning Review + Coupon Code

2012-02-02T18:34:00.000-08:00

Last year I did a review of an amazing product, Whitening Lightning. An amazing pen that whitens your teeth quickly. Here is that review. I was extremely impressed with the results.

Real quick, here is a bit of back story. I have recently became obsessed with my teeth. I want them to be perfectly straight and white. I am currently using Invisalign for the straightening part, but still struggling with how to find the best whitening products. I have been using Crest White Strips which work great, but I have extremely sensitive teeth so for the first day after I use them I'm in a lot of pain. And although they whiten my teeth, I'm still always looking for the next best thing.

Last year I reviewed the Whitening Lightening Pen, if you don't know what it is, I will refresh your memory.

The Whitening Lightning Pen sells for $79 It is a revolutionary whitening product containing a powerful whitening agent that dissolves difficult to remove stains, without any damage to the tooth enamel. This advanced formula wipes away surface stains, leaving you with a healthy and sparkling white smile. Freshens breath, kills bacteria and restores teeth to natural white. When I reviewed the pen last year, I was also pregnant and wasn't sure if it was the best thing for me at the time. A little bit of an update, after I gave birth I went back to using the pen and my results were instant. I wish I would have taken before and after pics, but you will just have to take my word for it. It's a great product, and although it's a bit out of my price range, the money is well worth the results.

The one thing I didn't know about Whitening Lightning, is that they sell other products. One of their best sellers is the Dial A Smile Professional Whitening Kit. And when I say it's professional, it's just like the treatment you would get in a dental office.

The kit comes with A shade dial, dispensing dish, LED light, gel syringe (3 treatments worth), 3 teeth wipes, 1 application brush + 3 vitamin E swabs.

At first, I was a bit overwhelmed, I thought this was going to be a huge long process, but I was wrong. The instructions were fairly quick and easy.

1) Use the paper shade to determine your "before" color. This is a quick easy way to be able to see your results!

2) Use one of the blue teeth wipes to wipe your teeth dry. This is a step I haven't seen any other teeth whitener use. But it is an important step, so you apply the product evenly.

3) Use one of the vitamin swabs to swab your gums, then break off the other end and dip it in the gel tray, applying product evenly to your teeth.

Then of course, the last and final step is to take the little blue light and leave it on your teeth for 20 minutes. You can put it in your mouth so you can do other things while your whitening.

So easy!

The best part was I felt no sensitivity afterwards. No pain, just whiter teeth. And the kit will last you at least 3 treatments too. This type of product would cost around $1500 at your dentist's office, but this kit sells for $399. So you have to figure that's $100 each time; way cheaper then in a dental office.

May be a bit hard to see, but my teeth are now super white! I've never had my teeth professionally whitened so I can't compare the results to a dental office,but I'm happy with the end result.

And my favorite Whitening Lightning product is the Color Your Smile Lipgloss. At first glance it appears to be just a normal gloss, but oh no, it's so much more!

A fresh new lighted lip-gloss that contains collagen peptides to increase lip volume and reduce lip wrinkles, while doubling as an amazing moisturizer. These collagen peptides rapidly speed up cell renewal to increase lip size safely and painlessly. A Whisper lightweight treatment, luxuriously moisture rich and so comfortable to wear, never sticky. The gloss creates a super natural, luscious look. Available in these new fashion forward innovative shades and hues of peach, pink and bronze.

Color Your Smile Lighted Lip Gloss:
Contains collagen peptides – increases lip volume
Reduces lip wrinkles
Doubles as a treatment
Feels smooth and light on the lips, so comfortable to wear – never sticky.Will not feather or bleed

A gloss with a mirror? So cool! You can put your gloss on in the dark and the colors are gorgeous.

(icicle, Vilu)

Colors are light with microshimmer. The Color Your Smile glosses come in 3 different colors, and I'm so sorry I didn't get to swatch the last color, but the gloss was such a hit with my friends and family I was forced to give one up before I could swatch. But I promise you it's such as pretty as the two colors above.

Color Your Smile Glosses sell for $38 each, or you can get all 3 for $99

Another new product from Whitening Lightning is their Mane Colors. A colorful array of clip on streaks for your hair, this is perfect for any girl looking for a little bit of a hair change.

The clips are 16 inches long, so regardless if you have short or long hair, you can make the Mane match. One pack sells for $49 and comes with 5 crazy colors. I think this would make a great gift for any teenage girl.

You can also cut them in half or quarters to make the streak a bit thinner in your hair.

The Mane Colors sells for $49 a pack.

Now I have a special coupon code for all my readers, and it's a good one 60% off your entire order from Whitening Lightning. That is an amazing offer! Use Coupon Code BELLA60 at checkout.

Happy Shopping! ♥

Disclosure: Press samples were sent for consideration from PR for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own. No monetary compensation was received.

Lime Crime Valentine's Day Sale Today Only!

2012-02-01T19:00:00.000-08:00

Today only! all pinks and reds will be discounted 20% as part of Lime Crime's Valentine's Day Sale.

No code needed! Happy shopping!

Sigma Feb 2012 Coupon Code

2012-02-01T18:34:00.000-08:00

Happy New Years everyone! It's a new year, a new month and that means a new Sigma Beauty Coupon code! Enjoy 10% off your order with new coupon code LOVE2012 valid thru Feb 28!! You will also get a free gift if you spend $30 or more!

Also check out their special deals this month, there are so many going on! Along with Sigma's new line of brushes!!!

So remember, coupon code LOVE2012 for 10% off your order!

Miracle Skin Transformer Treat & Conceal

2012-01-31T18:23:00.000-08:00

Erase and repair imperfections with this next-generation 3-in-1 concealer. The ﬁrst-ever naturally derived silicone concealer, Miracle Skin Transformer Treat & Conceal hydrates, covers and protects with powerful treatment beneﬁts. Miracle Skin Transformer Treat & Conceal illuminates and visibly reduces imperfections. Blends seamlessly, immediately improving the complexion for flawless, fresher looking skin.

•Naturally derived silicone based concealer, leaving skin with a lightweight and even-toned glow.

•Three ultra pigmented shades cover and treat imperfections in the skin.

•Delivers all the advanced healing and hydration benefits of the MST Complex

The concealer is made up of some powerful ingredients:

•Color Minerals (iron oxides minerals) give Treat and ; Conceal a unique coverage (available in 3 shades) that adapts to virtually all skin tones naturally.

•Naturally Derived Silicones allow light to deflect off skin, yielding a luminous radiance and an airbrushed finish for any imperfection. The formula imparts a velvety cushion to the skin, fills in fine lines, while smoothing out and refining pore texture resulting in firmer, brighter and even-toned skin. Additionally, natural Silicones protect skin from environmental pollution, cover pores’ visibility, evens out skin tone and eliminates redness.

•Mica is a mineral pigment in the form of pearls to give skin uniformity, improve texture and performance, resulting in a flawless finish.

•Vitamin K helps diminish vascular conditions that emerge as skin imperfections such as dark circles under the eyes, redness from rosacea, and broken capillaries (including spider veins).

•Plant Derived Collagen is a protein that provides strength, resilience and support to the skin. As we age, skin loses collagen resulting in the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. Collagen is the most powerful substance known to help keep skin young, soft and vibrant. By replenishing the collagen levels in our skin, we help slow down the appearance of aging.

•Ceramides form an oxygen reservoir which accelerates skin cell renewal acting as a radical scavenger. This helps to restore the skin from an undersupply of oxygen and jump starts new cell’s metabolism making the skin look radiant and awake. These plant-derived ceramides release oxygen leaving a plumping effect under the eye.

•Vitamin F is an essential vitamin containing Omega- 3 & Omega-6 derived of fatty acids that has superior emollient and water-binding property that protects and strengthen the skin.

•White Rose &; Chamomile natural flower extracts helps purifies skin with high antiseptic qualities to help repair the skin. This is particularly beneficial for dry sensitive skin to help soothe and calm irritated skin with its high anti-inflammatory properties.

Treat & Conceal comes in three different colors, Light, Light/Medium and Medium. I ended up with "Medium" which was too dark for me, I'm more of a "light" color. What I really liked about the concealer was that it really hydated my skin. A lot of times concealer can be drying and can actually make you look older then you are. It really covered up my imperfections, but make sure you get the right color. Concealer can go completely wrong if you don't match it perfectly.

So the shade is a bit dark, but the formula and texture is silky and light. I think this concealer would work best with dry or normal skin types. Oily skin types might have a bit of a problem. You can see some before and after pictures here.

Overall, it's a good product, you get a good amount for $36. I don't love it as much as the original Miracle Skin Transformer (love that stuff!) but it still provides good coverage

You can purchase Miracle Skin Transformer Treat & Conceal on Miracle Skin's website, and also Sephora.

Disclosure: A press sample was sent for consideration from PR for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own. No monetary compensation was received.

Look of Love: Perricone For Valentine's Day

2012-01-30T18:18:00.000-08:00

Remember the feeling of falling in love? Youthful radiance beams so bright, skin looks lit from within. It’s true: Love makes things brighter. Achieve the Look of Love with a sweet smelling, pretty-in-pink Brightening Kit that restores skin to its youthful radiance.

Begin this 3-step regimen with Brightening Activator, a revolutionary, triple-action treatment prep that exfoliates without stripping the skin of natural oils, hydrates by sealing in moisture and brightens the appearance of discoloration, hyper-pigmentation and sun spots with the brightening power of Carotenoids.

Then, boost skin’s brightness with First Blush, a lightweight yet heavy-hitting serum that combines Carotenoids and Ferulic Acid to dramatically revive dull, lackluster skin and restore the radiant, rosy complexion of youth.

Finish with Bright Eyed, a potent multi-tasking eye treatment that contains a breakthrough tri-active, phytonutrient technology that hydrates, depuffs and brightens the delicate, thin skin around the eye area.

Fall in love all over again. The Look of Love set harnesses the power of nature and science, restoring skin’s youthful radiance in 3 easy steps.

A great gift for Valentine's Day! Sells for $96! (A $136 value) available Feb 5th at getsuper.com

Tips for Giving Bath Robes as Gifts

2012-01-30T16:50:00.000-08:00

Are you looking for the perfect gift for someone special? One of the best gifts that women and men can both appreciate is a bath robe. Bathrobes encompass a variety of styles and designs. They are soft and luxurious. Even the most inexpensive ones still provide a sense of luxury.

That being said, not all bath robes are equal. When buying one as a gift, there are a few things you must consider:

The Material

Since everyone has their own individual preference of what feels “soft” to them, try to find out what kinds of fabric your recipient would prefer. You should also consider the time of year during which he or she will be wearing the robe. Waffle weaved cotton and terry robes are ideal for those who would prefer a lightweight robe. Cashmere is lightweight, but with insulating properties. For a heavy-weight robe, go with Turkish terry cloth or rayon.

A few other choices include Egyptian cotton, silk, nylon, plush, satin, and micro fiber.

The Color

Since bath robes are available in every color imaginable, you have quite a few choices. What about a pastel color such as pale yellow, green, or pink? Or a neutral color such as white, gray, or black? Go for a solid color if you’re buying for a man. For a woman, go with pastel or red.

The Style

When it comes to the style, the possibilities are endless! Here are a few robe styles:

o Button front

o Kimono

o Hooded

o Shawl collar

o Sweatshirt style

o Spa towel wraps

o Long loungers

o Unisex

Most bath robes are tied around the waist with a belt or sash. However, button and zipper styles are starting to become popular as well. In cold temperatures, a belted bath robe isn’t the best choice since it leaves the neck and chest exposed. In warm temperatures, a robe with a hood might not be a good idea. If you’re buying for a woman with long hair, a zippered robe might not be a good idea since her hair could get caught in it.

Additional Considerations

You might want to consider having the robe personalized with your recipient’s name or initials. Monogrammed bath robes make great gifts! Also, be sure to choose a high-quality robe so that it won’t tear up easily.

Now you have the information you need for buying bath robes as gifts!

Disclosure: Guest Post

Votre Vu Champagne Kisses Lip Balm

2012-01-30T16:39:00.001-08:00

Votre Vu's Champagne Kisses Enhancing Lip Balm is sweet Champagne for your lips. Think of a fancy moisturizing lip balm that not only smoothes and nourishes but also plumps at the same time. The Enhancing Lip Balm is made with a special formula designed to enhance suppleness and hydration, infused with sweet almond oil, coconut oil and shea butter.

Champagne Kisses is perfect for a dry windy day, or for me, it works great for when I go to the gym or go on a jog. I've been taking this with my everywhere, and I'm not a lip balm girl.

Favorite part? Gee, where do I start. I love the way this stuff tastes. It reminds me of a toasted marshmallow. I think a better name would have been, "Marshmallow Kisses" but then it wouldn't sound quite so fancy now would it? It goes on clear, adding a little bit of shine, but not TOO much. The taste doesn't last nearly as long as I wish it would, but I'm more then pleased with this lip balm.

I'm starting to believe I'll be switching over to balm instead of gloss.. wow did I really just say that?

Votre Vu Champagne Kisses is available at VotreVu.com, usually $29 bucks but right now it's on sale for $20.30. At this point, Votre Vu can do no wrong in my book. This is a must have for all hardcore balm lovers. And of course marshmallow lovers too.

Disclosure: Samples were sent to me for consideration from PR. All opinions are my own. No monetary compensation was received.

Parker Posey for Votre Vu at Sundance

2012-01-29T14:56:00.000-08:00

Below freezing temperatures is never good for ANYONE'S skin. We get red

around the nose, chapped lips, and our skin becomes very dehydrated. Before

starting Parker's makeup this morning I had to take my time and replenish

the skin's moisture and nourish it with products that would last her all

day.

Today I really wanted to make sure I had Parker's skin hydrated and

protected for a full day out in the elements, and fully prepared to wear

makeup for a long day of press.

I started off by toning Parkers skin with Votre Vu’s Fleur Blanc Tonic. I used a cotton

round and moistened it with tonic and wiped it across the face and neck.

This refreshing first step leaves the skin silky soft and ready for the

following Votre Vu skincare

Tout Le Monde Antioxidant Eye Gelee was applied around the eye and lightly

massaged into this sensitive area until fully absorbed. This cooling gel

hydrates and comforts the area around the eye while firming and reducing the

appearance of fine lines and creases.

Tragic Magic was key today. I applied a generous amount all over the face

and neck. The lime in the creme clams the skin and reduces redness

Once Parker's makeup was finished I lightly dusted the face with Votre Vu

Mineral Powder to set the makeup, decrease shine, and complete the look.

Lush Valentine's Day 2012

2012-01-29T14:51:00.000-08:00

Let LUSH help you set a sexy scene for your special someone this Valentine’s Day. This year’s offerings include a solid love potion, a perfume created for a very special LUSH wedding and the return of some fan favorites. Make this Valentine’s Day one to remember with LUSH!

The Ex-Factor Bath Bomb ~ $4.95 3.5oz

Sweet, vanilla-scented voodoo for spurned lovers.

Leap Frog bath bomb ($4.95)

Ladies the world over will be popping the question as 2012 is a leap year, and it’s the girls’ turn to do the asking! LUSH has created the Leap Frog bath bomb, made with the sultry scent of jasmine, sandalwood, ylang ylang, rose and neroli, to help ladies everywhere get a ring on their men. Once he gets a whiff, he’ll have to say yes

Love Potion massage bar ($9.95)

Give your love a little rub and cast a spell with this sensual massage bar. Delicately scented with the fragrance of Love perfume this heart stopper is sure to put you, and keep you, in the mood

Sweetheart soap ($4.95 for 3.4 oz)

This sweet smelling soap is chock-full of aphrodisiacs like jasmine, sandalwood, ylang ylang and bergamot to help lift the spirits and give you a boost of confidence to take your relationship to the next level.

Magic Mushroom Bubble Bar ~ $5.95 3.5oz

An enchanting toadstool for strawberries and cream bubbles.

Available now at LushUSA.com!