Paraben free – very affordable – body wash

I finally found a low priced (only $2.99 on drugstore.com) paraben free body wash! I originally found it at Walgreens. It is made by St. Ives. I love love love the creamy coconut smell. It is a great scent for the summer. This body wash left my skin clean/moisturized. And if you know me, it didn’t bother my skin, so it works on sensitive skin.

I have been trying to use paraben free products, when possible. Admittedly, much of my favorite make up and self tanners are not paraben free. But I try to avoid it where I can, given its link to cancer…article here: http://www.livestrong.com/article/151945-the-risk-of-paraben/

When I read about it, it really freaks me out. However, the FDA has not banned the use of parabens in cosmetic products As read here: http://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/productandingredientsafety/selectedcosmeticingredients/ucm128042.htm

Quite frankly, that doesn’t mean they’re safe…parabens have been banned in other countries, such as Denmark. We’ll just have to keep a watchful eye out for more studies done by/in the US.

To find the St. Ives paraben free body wash go to:

http://www.drugstore.com/st-ives-triple-butters-intensely-hydrating-body-wash-creamy-coconut/qxp349634?fromsrch=st%2E+ives

Eye brightener – perfect for post-party circles

I’ve been on a perpetual search for under-eye brightener (minimizes shadows, refreshes eyes). Beyond trying almost every concealer on the planet, I’ve also searched for a brightener to use when I don’t really want to wear concealer, but need some brightening. And frankly, sometimes I need/want both!

Dior makes a good eye brightener…available at most dept stores and Sephora. This pen last awhile – which is good because it’s almost $40. I like this brightener because it’s not thick, it spreads easily, and I notice an immediate brightening without looking like I put whiteout under my eye. I also put this around my nose, it can help with shadows there too.

Find it here, with more reviews: http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P66722&shouldPaginate=true&categoryId=1073

I like reading reviews on Sephora.com, I feel like people are pretty honest!

 

I’m under construction!

I’ve been working on this bad boy for awhile. I’ve tried and changed many different lay outs. This is my work in progress…I’m trying to decide if it’s worth purchasing a premium layout. For now, I’ll focus on my posts…but feel free to send me feedback if you have any suggestions. And, thank you so much for visiting my blog!

Memories in nail polish colors

I found this pic when I was going through my old vacation photos. When my Mom, sister, and I went to Charleston, SC this past winter, we got a mother/daughter(s) mani-pedi. These were the colors I chose! Esse – Fiji for my fingernails and OPI – Cajun Shrimp for my toes. This was one of my favorite combinations. Both these colors will always remind me of our fun girls trip down south 🙂

Tried & True: Crest Whitestrips

I’ve used these for years…and thankfully, Crest has continually improved the product. Now, the strips stay on more easily (i.e. advanced seal), and the professional effects is less harsh on my gums. I’m a big coffee drinker and every once in awhile I look in the mirror and notice my smile looking dull. I pop a set of these in, either before bed, or on the way to work. The results are immediate! I’ve done these before a night out and people have commented on my white smile. I consider these ‘tried & true’ – I have to have a box in the bathroom.

I thought I would add, you don’t need to wear these everyday – initially, depending on your teeth color, you might want to use for a few days. But then, you really only need them here and there for maintenance. I might use them 2 days in a row now, then stop…or use them 2-3 days in a row leading up to a big event. This helps the box last longer and avoid gum line irritation from over exposure.

The ~$40 price tag is steep. But hey, they’re cheaper than professional whiting. I am going to save professional whiting for when I’m older and might really need it. These are key before big events…weddings, Jersey Shore weekends etc.

you can order online as well – I love drugstore.com. Granted, if you need them last minute this won’t help! But, if you plan ahead you can order from here, usually get free shipping and this site often has sales:

http://www.drugstore.com:80/crest-3d-white-professional-effects-whitestrips/qxp245194?fromsrch=crest+white+strips