Personal Care

Are Gel Manicures Dangerous?

November 1, 2011 By Sara Cornell

Image courtesy of CND

As if it weren’t hard enough to keep a good manicure, now dermatologists are raising concerns about the safety of gel manicures. Shellac, a polish by Creative Nail Design , or CND, is painted on like regular nail polish, except that it’s hardened under a UV light. With Shellac’s rise in popularity, there is discussion in the medical community about the cancer concerns associated with UV lights.

According to an article written by consumer advocate Jenn Strathman of NewsNet5.com in Cleveland, “…In the medical journal, “ Archives of Dermatology,” doctors wrote about two women who got skin cancer on their hand, even though they had no family history of the disease. The article stated that the women visited nail salons and received UV nail light exposure to dry the nail polish. According to the article, one woman had a 15-year history of twice monthly UV nail light exposure while the other woman had exposure eight times in one year before developing skin cancer. ”It’s a mini sun tan power to your fingers,” Bass said.

Creative Nail Design disagreed and said an independent study showed UV nail lamps are safe. In a news release the company said, “Recent reports fail to properly measure UV light rays, overestimate exposure from UV nail lamps and incorrectly attribute skin cancer.” CND said the study showed the amount of UV-B light in 10 minutes of exposure to a nail lamp is the same as spending an 30 extra seconds in the sun every day for the two weeks between salon appointments.”

My personal jury is still out on gel manicures. I love the way they last, and my nails don’t chip and split when I am wearing the Shellac polish, but there is something about the chemicals used in the removal process that bothers me and makes me feel like I’m taking a step backwards in the nail health department. What about you? Are you a fan of Gel Manicures or do you think there is a legitimate concern? Leave us a comment and tell us your thoughts…

You can learn more by following this link.

Filed Under: Beauty, Hands & Feet, Nail Polish, Personal Care, Skin Care Tagged With: CND, Gel manicures, Manicures, Shellac, Skin Cancer

Scents of Fall with Upper Canada Soap, Golden Maple Sugar

October 14, 2011 By Amanda Davis

Since we are pretty much Fall bound at this point, I think it’s high time we start to think about Fall scents surrounding us on crisp Autumn days. Apple cider, pumpkin pie and maple syrup… so keeping this in mind you can imagine how elated I was to find the Upper Canada Soap company’s Golden Maple Sugar line. Mmmmmmm. They have an awesome array of soaps and lotions that are sweet as syrup and remind you of apple picking and the leaves crunching under your feet!

THINK: Nature’s sweetest nectar.

WHAT IT IS: Wholesome skincare products in a delicious fall fragrance. From long walks through the woods watching the leaves change to time spent by the fire enjoying delicious seasonal treats, autumn is the time for comfort, warmth and reflection. This fall, indulge in calming relaxation with the Naturally Signature Collection in Golden Maple Sugar—the scent of fresh maple syrup blended with lightly sweetened butter and warm undertones of brown sugar.

The Naturally Signature Collection delivers a perfect balance of beauty, power, sophistication and simplicity. Entirely free of Parabens, Mineral Oil, and synthetic dyes, The Naturally Signature Collection is made with the finest ingredients available. Each nutrient-rich product offers superior moisture and nourishment, for naturally healthy, glowing skin.

Products in the Naturally Signature in Golden Maple Sugar collection include:

* Hand & Body Lotion ($15.99): Formulated with Shea Butter, Ginger and antioxidant-rich White Tea Extract, this lightweight lotion offers instant moisture for hands and body.

* Hand & Body Wash ($14.99): A hydrating blend of ultra-moisturizing Shea Butter, Oatmeal Extract and Aloe Leaf Juice keep skin soft even after multiple washes.

* Hydrating Shower Gel ($9.99): This pH-balance blend of Glycerin and White Tea Extract cleanses the body of impurities while replenishing lost moisture.

* Whipped Hand Repair Balm ($12.99): A wholesome yet luxurious formula made with 20% nourishing Shea Butter that gives hard-working hands the moisture they crave.

* Lip Balm Tube ($4.99): This emollient-rich balm envelops thirsty lips in moisture with a blend of Shea Butter, Beeswax, Cocoa Seed Butter, and Vitamin E.

* Moisturizing Bath Soap Bar ($9.99): Packed with White Tea Extract, this pampering triple-milled soap protects skin from free radical damage.

* Relaxing Bubble Bath ($11.99): The ultimate in relaxation, this indulgent bubble bath features Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter and Sugar Maple Extract.

* Soothing Bath Milk ($13.99): Made with soothing Milk Powder, this tried and true dry skin remedy will leave your body feeling silky smooth from head to toe.

Filed Under: Beauty, Body, Hands & Feet, Personal Care, Skin Care Tagged With: fall scents, Golden Maple Sugar, hand and body lotion, Lotion, soaps, Upper Canada Soap

Carefree Thin & Absorbent Acti-Fresh Pantyliners

June 29, 2011 By The Fashionable Housewife

Carefree Pantyliners Review

“So thin and absorbent, you’ll forget you’re wearing a liner” is their new slogan.

Have you heard about the new CAREFREE® ACTI-FRESH liners? I’m sure you’ve seen the commercials… They are designed to deliver the “ultimate freshness throughout your day”. Designed with a new core that’s 40% thinner and more absorbent than previous Carefree liners. New CAREFREE® ACTI-FRESH™ liners also have an 8-hour odor control system so all you feel is freshness.

I’ve been using the same brand of liners for over 15 years now. I’m loyal. I love them. So when Carefree asked if I wanted to try out the new Acti-Fresh liners, I didn’t have very high expectations.

I was definitely surprised by these new liners….

[Read more...]

Filed Under: Feminine Products, Personal Care Tagged With: Acti-Fresh Liners, Always, Carefree, pantiliner, pantyliner

What’s going in my Summer Bag?

June 17, 2011 By Amanda Davis

I always make sure to keep a larger purse with me in the Summer. I don’t know why this is… perhaps it’s because I know that in the warm weather, I am more likely to do things spontaneously; more likely to grab drinks after work or change plans at the last minute? Any way you slice it, I like to have certain things with me in order to make any last minute plan change as seamless as possible! What’s in my summer bag?

Vintage Lip Glaze, Evian Mineral Water Spray,Glimmersticks Waterproof Eyeliner, Women’s Classic Flip Flops, Neutrogena Healthy Skin Pressed Powder, Dove Go Fresh Body Mist, Scunci No-Slip Grip Bobby Pins

What do you ladies always make sure to carry with you at all times? What’s your must haves?

Filed Under: Makeup, Personal Care, Random Info Tagged With: avon glimmersticks, dove body spray, evian, Neutrogena, old nvy flip flops, Scunci, stila, summer bag, summer must haves

Need a Quick Refresh? Try “Yes To” Facial Towelettes

June 2, 2011 By Amanda Davis

Yes To is a consumer-inspired line of hair and skin products born out of a desire to make you look and feel your most happy and radiant. Yes To combines high-quality organic fruits and vegetables with efficacious ingredients to nourish and hydrate naturally. With five unique collections – Yes To Carrots, Yes To Tomatoes, Yes To Cucumbers, Yes To Baby Carrots, and now Yes To Blueberries – the Yes To family addresses a variety of skin and hair needs to help people find their own “recipe” of products.

Try one of Yes To’s many great facial towelettes. We have tried them and they are super great for us ladies on the go!

Yes To Cucumbers Natural Glow Facial Towelettes

• 98.7% Natural
• Biodegradable & FSC Certified
• Dermatologically & Opthalmologically Tested
• Oil-free, non-comedoenic, hypoallergenic

Yes to Blueberries Brightening Facial Towelettes

• 98.7% Natural
• Biodegradable & FSC Certified
• Dermatologically & Opthalmologically Tested
• Oil-free, non-comedoenic, hypoallergenic

Right now on Yes To Carrots, these great towelettes are Buy One Get One Free…. so snatch yours up today!

About Yes To: FOUNDED IN 2006, Yes To is a consumer-inspired line of hair and skin products born out of a desire to make you look and feel your most happy and radiant. Yes To combines high-quality organic fruits and vegetables with a special mineral elixir derived from the Dead Sea to nourish and hydrate naturally. With four unique collections – Yes To Carrots, Yes To Tomatoes, Yes To Cucumbers, and now Yes To Baby Carrots – the Yes To family addresses a variety of skin and hair needs to help people find their own “recipe” of products. And the best part is, not only have they found a way to offer all of this incredible quality at a very accessible, guilt-free price, but a portion of all Yes To proceeds has been dedicated to the Yes To Carrots™ Seed Fund, a non-profit, 501(C) 3 organization helping to make a difference in people’s lives through sustainable agriculture. Intrigued? You can find the full range of products for sale everywhere from the Champs-Elysees to the stores you pass on your way home.

Filed Under: Face, Personal Care, Skin Care Tagged With: bluberry, cucumbers, natural facial towelettes, Natural glow, tomato, Yes To, Yes To Carrots

Bio-Oil, Anyone?

May 13, 2011 By Amanda Davis

So I have recently had the opportunity to try Bio-Oil. First I have to say that I was skeptical as I have always been opposed to anything that is to be applied to the skin with the word “oil” in it… but I thought hey, what could it really hurt to try it.

I started by looking into what Bio-Oil recommends you use this product for:

Bio-Oil® is a specialist skincare product that helps improve the appearance of scars, stretch marks and uneven skin tone. Its advanced formulation, which contains the breakthrough ingredient PurCellin Oil™, also makes it highly effective for numerous other skin concerns, including aging skin and dehydrated skin.

I looked into what the every woman was using Bio-Oil for and what I should expect out of this particular product. I found the following 3 things to be the main uses and most popular on the internet:

Improving the appearance of stretch marks
Reducing the appearance of scars, mainly acne scars
Dry Skin relief

From what I read, the reviews were mostly positive but there were some mixed…which kept me skeptical for sure. I tried Bio-Oil anyhow.

I was actually pretty impressed with the results. I, like many other women in this world, have those beauteous little ladies called STRETCH MARKS… I wasn’t expecting any miracles; I actually wasn’t expecting there to be much of a result at all. You know what though? With some patience (I mean I have been using this for over 3 weeks now), I have started to see my stretch marks fading and the skin in those areas seems much softer and healthier. I think that I will keep using this to see what kind of results I can get with prolonged use re: stretch marks.

In regards to my use in general, I have tried this on my legs after shaving as well as on dry areas of my skin (aka my elbows!) and I have definitely seen the skin softer. I don’t know if Bio-Oil is better or worse than any other moisturizing creams or oils but I know for certain it did the trick.

Besides all the stuff that I just mentioned? My friend Jaime sent me this quick tip that was in Seventeen magazine (even though I am about 10 years older then 17 Ha-Ha)… and it totally worked! I was headed out in NYC this past weekend and my cheeks were really dewey and not just that, but the Bio-Oil, I swear helped keep my makeup in place longer. Any way you slice it, I liked the effect!

My final verdict? I think I will definitely keep Bio-Oil in my back pocket for scar concerns, stretch marks and will also keep in mind when I get pregnant. I read a lot of reviews about how great this worked during and after pregnancy, which to me seems like the perfect time to combat stretch marks. Overall, I would recommend Bio-Oil to you ladies with the disclaimer that if you break out pretty easily? I would keep it away from your face… it is oil afterall!

Filed Under: Aging / Wrinkles, Cheeks, Face, Makeup, Personal Care, Skin Care Tagged With: bio-oil, dewey cheeks, scars, seventeen magazine, Stretch Marks

Save vs. Splurge: Beauty Products to Save On and When to Splurge

April 20, 2011 By Denise Shively

There are some beauty products you can easily pick up at the drugstore for a lot less, but when are they actually worth a heftier investment? This handy guide will help you pick which products you can safely scrimp on, and when you should pony up a little more cash for quality.

Splurge On: Makeup Brushes

When it comes to makeup brushes, you truly do get what you pay for. Drugstores sell inexpensive brushes by the dozens, but you’ll only end up having to replace them time and again. By investing in a high-quality brush set, SEPHORA COLLECTION Perfect Ten Brush Set ($60,) you can rest assured that, with regular cleaning, your brushes will last for years to come.

Save On: Eyeliner

There’s no reason to spend $20 on eyeliner when cheapie drugstore varieties work just as well. I like CoverGirl Perfect Blend Eye Pencil ($5.49.) If you don’t like wax-based eyeliner pencils, look for a kohl or liquid eyeliner instead.

Splurge On: Foundation

When using a product that will be applied to your entire face, it’s definitely worth the splurge for a quality product that works. Drugstore foundations generally don’t have a wide variety of shades, and don’t often allow you to test out a product before committing. By shopping at a department or specialty makeup store, you can test out a foundation before you buy, and even get a beauty expert to help you choose the exact shade for your skin tone. I like NARS Sheer Matte Foundation ($42) for its huge range of shades, making it easy to find the one that’s perfect for you.

Save On: Shampoo and Conditioner

It can be tempting to spend the wad on fancy salon shampoo and conditioner, but the truth is that drugstore brands get the job done just as well – for a lot less cash! Brands like Pantene have millions of dollars to spend on cutting-edge technology and research, meaning their formulas are able to deliver great results for a fraction of the price of more expensive hair care brands. Give a drugstore shampoo/conditioner combo like Pantene Pro-V 2 in 1 Shampoo & Conditioner, Flat to Volume ($4.99) a try, and tell me it doesn’t work just as well as pricier brands!

Splurge On: Tweezers

Drugstore tweezers are a joke, which is why investing in a high-quality pair like Tweezerman Slant Tweezers ($20) is an investment you should definitely make. High quality brands have better gripping power than drugstore cheapies – plus, Tweezerman will sharpen your tweezers for free whenever you need it. What’s a better deal than that?

Save On: Lipstick/Lip Gloss

There’s no reason to pay $25 for a lipstick or lip gloss; for one thing, moisturizing and long wearing lipstick is available at the drugstore for $10 or less. For another, lip glosses aren’t designed to last long anyway, so why pay a premium price for a product you just have to reapply continuously? For inexpensive alternatives, try CoverGirl Lip Perfection Lipstick ($6.99) or e.l.f. Super Glossy Lip Shine SPF 15 ($1.49)

Which beauty products do you save or splurge on? Do you agree with my list? Leave your comments below; I’d love to hear your thoughts!