May 18, 2012

Creme de la Rose

All right suki, given our previous tries at a relationship: eye moisturizer, mascara, green clay, I guess I was bound to cheat on you. It doesn’t help that you are expensive! Truly, the cost was what led me to stray. I have a NEW best friend!

The Body Deli Creme de la Rose is simply wonderful. It does everything the suki spa facial lift ultimate firming cream does and smells so good. It could be considered expensive at $75 for a 2 ounce jar, but I use about a nickel-sized amount to cover my face, neck and decolletage. It’s a very creamy consistency, but spreads really well. My skin soaks it up and then looks like velvet. A soft, healthy sheen, but not shiny at all. The ingredient list is natural and pronounceable. I’ve been using this a bit over a month. I’m hooked. I’ll definitely be trying other products.

What it cost: $75                              Where I got it: aloe skin + body

May 16, 2012

aloe skin + body

There’s a new little spa in the heart of Tarrytown, aloe skin + body. I was lucky enough to attend the grand opening and take a look around. The interior is really sweet and simple. I’m sure it’s a calm, light place when 50 people aren’t crammed into it. I am looking forward to going back. They offer a great range of services like facials, massage and acupuncture. The focus is on skin care and the selection of products does not disappoint: Inventive Eco Organic (YAY!), Eminence Organic Skin Care and The Body Deli along with my fave W3LL People cosmetics. I left with a jar of The Body Deli Creme de la Rose.

March 7, 2012

Olivella Face & Body Soap

I love Con’ Olio. I’m devoted to the Black Truffle Oil and the Blueberry Balsamic. I was in the other day and saw this line of beauty products made from olive oil. Since I’m a convert to the whole idea of oil as a cleanser I decided to try Olivella Face & Body Soap. It’s 100% virgin olive oil and paraben free. I’m skeptical of the idea of combination face and body cleansers and this did seem to prove my point. It’s much too drying for my face and the scent is too intense. I can’t walk around with a perfumed face; it is overpowering. But, this soap makes an excellent hand soap as it cleans well but doesn’t dry out my hands too much.

Where I got it: Con’ Olio in the Arboretum                             What it cost: $7.95

February 28, 2012

Nude Cleansing Facial Oil

I was ready to try an oil cleanser after my eyes were tired of all the rubbing they endured for the sake of mascara testing. I had to be talked into getting a couple samples of the Nude Facial Cleansing Oil, but loved it. I have to admit the color, which is not displayed accurately here, is a complete turn off. I couldn’t imagine anything good coming out of this weird, fleshy, mauve package. The bottle isn’t large, but it lasted me about 8 months and at $36, it’s a bargain. I originally got mine at W3LL People, they are not carrying the line anymore, but Sephora is.

February 24, 2012

Texas Lavender

I have been using Texas Lavender to fall asleep easier for a year or so now. One drop right on the end of my nose immediately relaxes me. I also put a few drops on the air filter of my Dyson before I vacuum to make the house smell nice. So, I was thinking what else can I use this for?

Well, I’ve tried many natural deodorants (the crystal, some smelly sticks, a roll on) and they just don’t last. Lavender has antibacterial properties along with the scent and bacteria are what make you stink. As I pondered this, I decided to try it as a deodorant. Three drops under each arm and patted in. It still doesn’t last quite all day if I ride my bike, but it’s better than the crystal by a long shot.

February 21, 2012

Rae Face

I was invited to Rae Cosmetics today for a makeup lesson. Mission: Bronzer. I had no idea it is actually useful. Note, the picture above was after I had biked from Rae Cosmetics to W3LL People (to pick up Arganica oil and see Shirley) and off to the Tea Embassy (I can’t live without my Embassy Breakfast Blend) and back home. I’m thinking I logged almost 10 miles looking that glamorous–which is a nice change of pace.

Lacey did my makeup and took me through each step explaining all kinds of good stuff. Like when you’re putting on eyeliner, dot and press it into your lashes. I’ve always tried to draw a line and I end up looking funny and having to use way too many Q-tips to fix mistakes. Not any more!

The cool thing I learned about bronzer: it highlights your bone structure. Lacey told me to make a fish face, then brush the bronzer from your temple down the fish face line. Now, smile and your blush goes on the little pillow your cheeks make. I’ve always smiled to apply blush, but with the bronzer, it looks more natural and less flushed. Good trick!

Purchased: the best eyelash curler, $20 and California Cutie lipstick (SPF 15!), $18.

February 8, 2012

Everyday Shea Moisturizing Body Lotion

This stuff works. It’s a certified fair trade shea butter lotion. Paraben free, not tested on animals, unrefined and handcrafted. Not only do you get to use a luxurious, rich lotion, you support fair trade and sustainable practices at the same time. This lotion comes to from Alaffia Sustainable Skin Care which is a fair trade cooperative in Togo, West Africa that works to eliminate poverty and support gender equality. I use the unscented version every day. Soft skin, good karma.

Where I got it: Central Market, N. Lamar.     What is cost: $10

February 1, 2012

Inventive Eco-Organic Dr. D’s Recovery Gel

I stumbled across this wonderful skin healer at the start of colder weather a couple of months ago. My cheeks were chapped from riding my bike in the cold. My puppy had also put a major scratch down my hand that was definitely scar worthy.

I got this for my face to start out with but decided to use it on my cut since it has aloe, known for it’s soothing skin properties and copper, known to help regenerate and repair cells. I can’t say it has completely eliminated the chapped cheek issue. It helps repair damage, but really I found I need to pat in more moisturizer before I ride on super cold days. However, the cut that would have become a scar is a very faint line that I have to point out or you’d miss it completely. I also tested it’s healing properties after I had a couple of suspect freckles removed from my neck. Very nice! I still have slight red marks but they are continuing to fade.

This is not a moisturizer per se, but can be mixed with our layered under or even over what you’re wearing. Good, versatile stuff!

Where I got it: W3LL People or http://www.inventiveecoorganic.com/?page_id=6  What it cost: $38

January 26, 2012

Food for Thought

My husband and I own and work at Bola Pizza so I have been spending many of my Saturdays at the downtown Austin farmers’ market. Admittedly, it can be hard to get up early on a Saturday when I’ve already woken up before I want to the five previous days. However, it has been a boon for the way that I eat. I am able to buy fresh, just picked fruits and veggies. Free range, humanely raised eggs, local bison, goat milk, a fantastic assortment of local cheeses and some other must haves I’m surely missing.

In my early 30’s, I made an effort to eat healthier and pay more attention to where my food comes from. I shoot for no GMO and as little pesticides as possible if not organic. I can’t always afford organic and many of the farmers at the market use organic practices, but aren’t certified. Now, most of my produce, all of my milk and most of my cheese come from the market. Of course this is all great for my inside, but I didn’t realize how it would impact outside. My hair has gotten thicker. Not kidding. What used to be a just over a dime-sized ponytail is now a bit over a nickel. My stylist has commented on it the past couple of times I’ve gotten my hair cut and she’s been taking care of me for seven years.

January 22, 2012

suki spa facial lift ultimate firming cream

Sigh. suki, I thought we broke up after that eye moisturizer incident. That and I haven’t been very impressed with your other products like mascara and clay mask. I see now that you’ve been quietly working away to make me eat my words. Well played. You win.

Christine at W3LL People talked me into trying this daytime cream. This is not a cream in the traditional sense. It comes in a pump and has a fairly light consistency. I’ve been using it three months now and I am so impressed. It seems a little heavy when I put it on, so I need to pat it in more than the Arcona Youth Serum it has replaced. The extra time is well worth it. After a few minutes, my skin is velvety and not at all shiny. Though it feels heavier going on, it has completely balanced oil production in my skin. I don’t get oily during the day anymore–it’s the exact opposite of the slickness I thought might happen.

My skin texture and clarity have improved. I had a couple little sun spots around my nose that have disappeared. I haven’t noticed any extra plumpness, but I’m not sure I’ve lost any yet to notice. My skin is less red when my allergies are bad. I have had at least five people tell me I look radiant. This does not normally happen.

I thought I would use Youth Serum for the rest of my life, but this product outperforms it. Though it hurts my budget. My bank account cries a little every time I buy it. (I just bought a new one and will be more conservative with it. I was so excited when I first started using it I was putting it on day and night. I can’t believe I went through the whole bottle in a bit more than three months)

Where I got it: W3LL People, 215 S Lamar, Austin 78704.  What it cost:$150 (!!!)

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