CLICK HERE FOR THOUSANDS OF FREE BLOGGER TEMPLATES »

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Hello Again!!

It's been over a year since I have blogged here and for the absence I apologize!


I have tried many new products in the past year and I will be posting reviews of my favorites shortly.

I am now working for a few new companies:

Jane+Carter+products.JPG.jpg



Prod_LG-BrallywoodButta-773365.jpg

So I will probably be reviewing their products quite a bit as I get to know them better. One thing, though--I only work for a company whose integrity and products I admire and I do no get paid to endorse them beyond the scope of my job. (and that is usually limited to my personal territory)

So--if you have never heard of some of them, you are in for a treat! I can't wait to introduce you to them soon. I wanted to say hi and promise that I will be blogging again regularly--So check back soon and often!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Friday, May 15, 2009

Mineral Fusion Spring Blossom Color Kit Giveaway!!

spring blossom color kits




 I am a huge fan of mineral makeup and I really love Whole Foods' Mineral Fusion line. They recently launched their Spring Blossoms Color Kit loaded with fresh, pretty colors to help you look your best during the warmer months. 

Whole Foods Market recently posted a fabulous podcast on their blog educating consumers on what ingredients to look for and which to avoid when choosing makeup.

Want a chance to win one of these amazing kits?  All you have to do is listen to the podcast and leave a comment (on the Whole Foods page) Be sure to mention you read about the giveaway on Skin Rhythm!

One winner will be chosen at random on May 30th to receive a kit ($19.99 value) in either Innocent Peach or Delicate Rose. Check back here to see if you are the lucky vixen!


Innocent Peach Kit includes:
• Blush in flashy
• Lip Gloss in dazzle
• Eye Shadow in prism
• Blotting Papers
• DVD: Tips and Techniques
Delicate Rose Kit includes:
• Blush in creation
• Lip Gloss in captivate
• Eye Shadow in unique
• Blotting Papers
• DVD: Tips and Techniques


Sunday, March 29, 2009

How to Fix a Broken Eyeshadow!

photo from: www.thebeautystop.com



I wanted to share this great tip from The Beauty Stop! For anyone who has ever tearfully tossed a beloved but broken shadow, rejoice! You will never have to go through that agony again if you follow these simple steps...

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Avalon Organics Balancing Shampoo with Sweet Orange and Bergamot


As I wrote about recently, I was searching for a new shampoo. I had struck out with my first  choice and exchanged it for an Avalon Organics product I had never seen before: Balancing Shampoo with Sweet Orange and Bergamot. It features neem extract and nettle leaf and that is what truly sold me on the product.  

I have a dirty secret: my scalp gets itchy and flakey this time of year. The heaters running full blast, the crazy Texas weather (sunny 70's one day, frigid 40's the next) and my overactive sebaceous glands all work together to create a problem that is annoying and embarrassing. I have dark hair and if I scratch a nagging itch just a little I create little flakes that stick to my hair exposing my problem. 

I have used great products for my scalp before but none that I can afford regularly. I had started to think this was something I was just going to have to deal with--until now. 

It's strange because I can't find mention of it anywhere on the internet, even on the Avalon website and I'm not sure why that is, but since I couldn't find official info and pictures I have to show you the shampoo in it's natural habitat: my shower. 

So far I am really loving this shampoo. It smells great (though sadly, not as great as the Root 66 Shampoo) and makes my scalp feel refreshed and my hair feel shiny and bouncy: exactly what I was looking for in a shampoo. My scalp is feeling much less itchy and dry. I am really happy this mysterious product came out! When my Giovanni conditioner runs out I will be buying the Avalon Balancing Conditioner too. 

* Application tip: Be sure to massage the shampoo fully into the scap to get the maximum balancing benefits.
*DIY tip: Follow up with an apple cider vinegar rinse to further help balance and soothe a dry and itchy scalp or to remove hair product build up. 

Price: $7.99 for 8.5 oz. at select Whole Foods Market locations.

Update: Pai Skincare Geranium and Thistle Moisturizer One Week Later


Last week I reviewed the Pai Skincare Geranium and Thistle Moisturizer. Everyone should be aware that aside from a negative reaction, either an aversion to the smell or texture or something like contact dermatititis it is very hard to form an opinion about a product until you have used it for a length of time. (months)


I know a lot of consumers buy a product and expect nothing short of a miracle the very first time they use it--which just isn't realistic. 

I thought at first that the Geranium and Thistle Moisturizer was too light for this time of year but after using it daily all week I realize that it is very mattifying (thanks to the thistle)  and for my skin, that's a good thing. If the moisturizer can help  balance my oil production than I will experience less congestion and with the bacteria-fighting manuka oil, it attacks existing breakouts and clogged pores. 

I have noticed that a lot of the congestion on my cheeks is smoothing out but my skin does not feel dry or stripped. 

I think this one is a keeper! (now if they would just carry it at my local Whole Foods!)

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Hated It: Giovanni Root 66 Max Volume Shampoo

I was in need of a new shampoo and conditioner and saw that my local Whole Foods had Giovanni hair care on sale.( $5.99 for 8.5 oz down from $7.99) I've always loved Giovanni: I like their packaging, the products are very affordable and perform well. (one downside: they have a REALLY obnoxious and frustrating website)

I was excited to see an unfamiliar bottle:I know this is embarrassing to admit, but I was sold when I saw the fuchsia dots on the logo.
( it's my current favorite color.)

I have long, fine, snarly hair that tends towards the oily side. I also prefer to shampoo about every other day but would love it if I could get away with two or three times per week.

The first time I used the shampoo I was completely captivated. My hair felt slick and drenched with moisture immediately. I couldn't believe how nourished it felt so quickly.

I hesitated when I followed up with conditioner--I usually only apply it to the bottom half of my hair, away from the roots but it DID say "root 66" and was specified for "limp and lifeless hair" so I decided to throw caution to the wind and go for it.

After blow drying I preened in front of my bathroom mirror--my hair was a glossy, silky mane and smelled fantastic, like ripe mangoes.

The very next morning, however my vanity was crushed when I saw the flaccid, oily strands that were plastered to my forehead. I attributed it to the fact that I had applied conditioner all over my hair instead of the ends, like I normally do.

The next time I showered I was careful not to apply conditioner willy-nilly, convinced that would do the trick and I could go on loving my new products, but the same exact thing happened. Frustrated and confused I flipped the bottle over to read the ingredients:

The offending ingredient jumped out at me: dimethicone. Silicone derivatives coat the hair making it feel smooth and shiny but do not actually nourish it like natural oils such as jojoba. Coating the hair weighs it down immensely which makes it an odd choice for a shampoo for limp hair.

To test out my theory that it was the shampoo that was causing the problem I used a different shampoo the next time I washed my hair. I used the Giovanni conditioner like usual. (it doesn't contain dimethicone) My hair was shiny and smooth and did not get oily for a record three days.

As much as it pained me I exchanged the shampoo, something I hardly ever do. I just knew I wouldn't use it. I love the way silicones feel but I would much rather use a product that is actually feeding my hair instead of just pretending, and ultimately causing it to be in worse shape than it was before.


Ingredients:

INGREDIENTS: Aqua (Purified Water), With *Mango (Mangifera
Indico), *Kiwi (Actinidia Chinensis) Fruit Extract, *Papaya (Caroca
Papaya) Fruit Extract, *Plumeria (Plumeria Aculifolia), *Aloe Vera
(Aloe Barbodensis), *Horestail (Equiselum Arvense), Awopuhi
(Zingiber Zerumbel), *Soybean Protein (Glycine Soja), C12-14
Olefin Sulfonate (Cocunut Derived), Cocamidopropyl Betaine,
Polyquatenium 7, Dimethicone, Polysorbate 20, PEG -8
Caprylic/Copric Glycerides, Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5),
Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Phenoxyelhanol, Fragrance With Essential Oils,
*Certified Organic by Guaranteed Certification Services
No Animal By-Products and Cruelty Free



Bottom Line: Very disappointing. And by the way, what
IS a "horsepower
expander" anyway??!
Front label panel:
ROOT 66
MAX VOLUME
SHAMPOO
PureOrganic Technology
for limp, lifeless hair
with horsepower expanders to increase body
and shine while infusing weightless texture
giovanni
ORGANIC HAIR CARE
8.5 fl oz e 250mL

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Review: Pai Skincare Geranium and Thistle Moisturizer


Pai Skincare (Maori for "goodness") is an organic line from England and certified by the Soil Association . I recently tried the Geranium and Thistle moisturizer. From the description, it seemed perfect for my skin:

*From the Pai website:
"Geranium and thistle work in perfect unison in this light organic moisturizer to clear and re-balance congested or combination skin. Apply to face and neck as required. "

The first thing I noticed was a mild cooling sensation, from the geranium apparently:

*Geranium
"This common garden plant has a cooling and calming effect on the skin, making it great for balancing combination complexions. "

I love geranium and am thrilled anytime it is featured in a product. This moisturizer also contains manuka oil which is another huge favorite of mine. It had a nice lightweight texture and penetrates quickly without greasy residue. It may be a bit too light for me for this time of year but may be great for warmer temperatures. I haven't used it long enough to experience any reduction in congestion but if I notice a difference I'll definitely write about it. I'm always looking for the holy grail of products that will keep my naturally bumpy skin baby-smooth.

The texture and aroma of this product really reminded me of Grateful Body products and like Grateful Body products they are handmade in small batches. The pump makes it easy to dispense the proper amount without contamination from hands or air. My husband really liked it, the smell was not overly feminine despite the geranium aroma.

Price: £22.00 ($30) for 30ml

Ingredients: Purified water, geranium water*, jojoba oil*, corn-based emulsifier, thistle oil*, borage oil*, vitamin e, manuka oil*, rosemary antioxidant*, geranium, juniper*, lavender*

*Certified Organic

Where to Buy: Online at www.paiskincare.com