A New York City Health and Beauty Blog

Getting Lippy: A Perfect Pout with Beauty for Real

Many of the Spring season trends have been bold and beautiful colors and makeup has been no exception. Two of the most sought after lip shades this season are Coral and Honeysuckle and Beauty for Real has created two new shades that deliver a fresh pop of color combined with a super shiny hydrating formula. I first learned about Beauty for Real at The Makeup Show in New York City where I received a sample of their new gloss. I feel in love instantly with the minty, tingly and incredibly hydrating formula but I also loved that the lip gloss tubes have mirrors AND an LED light for those touch ups in dark club corners.

Beauty for Real glosses are power packed with green tea and grape seed extracts as well as Aloe Vera, avocado oil and Marine collagen. Green tea and grape seed extracts are full of anti-oxidants that contain anti-aging and regenerative properties. This formula is so hydrating that I can apply it directly to my dry lips and they are super soft within minutes.

I received a sample of two of Beauty for Reals new Spring colors are I was stoked! The shades are fairly pigmented with a glittery shimmer. The colors reflect this seasons’ runway trends, like All Fired Up which is a sheer yet warm coral and Kiss Me, a Honeysuckle pink which I found to be extremely flattering.

Both shades are are prefect for a Spring pout. Would you agree?

Dr. Dennis Gross Extra Strength Alpha Beta Peel, yes please!

Dr Dennis Gross Extra Strength Alpha Beta Peel

Dr. Dennis Gross Extra Strength Alpha Beta Peel is an anti-aging treatment in a handy travel-friendly, individually wrapped packette. This peel has medical grade alpha and beta hydroxy acids and over 40 age defying ingredients including retinol, resveratrol, antioxidants, Green Tea, vitamins and soothing botanicals.

This at home peel claims to:

  • Diminish the appearance of wrinkles
  • Balance oil, tone skin, and increase clarity and radiance
  • Calm redness, sensitivity and irritation
  • Targets dark spots; improves skin tone & texture
  • Reduce pore size and help prevent breakouts

I tried a few of the Alpha Beta Peel packets and I was very elated with the results! My sensitive skin was not at all irritated by the extra strength peel. In fact my face felt more balanced – not dry and not oily. My sensitive skin showed no sign of redness and my skin felt as if I’d just received an hour-long facial. Even my spouse remarked that my skin looked very bright (and that was after the first application) and smooth.  I try many products and a lot don’t work, many are just ok and few I would buy again. This peel falls into the last group, I would absolutely purchase this product again.

I should also mention that this product is Paraben, Sulfate and Phthalate free as well as vegan and cruelty free. I should also mention that in studies 96% of users reported that their skin looked more youthful and glowing. I read several reviews and even looked at some of the data from the study and I was impressed with the feedback.

After I finish the small package that I have, I plan on getting the full thirty-day supply. This seems to work really well and I am hoping to see some improvement on my hyperpigmentation and fine lines. It’ also a quick 3 minute beauty routine that I can easily incorporate into my morning grind. I think we have a winner.

Alpha Beta® Extra Strength Peel: 10 Individual Packettes /$35 or 30 Applications/$85 available at http://www.dgskincare.com/

Dylan’s Candy Bar: Coconut Bon Bon Soda Pop Shower Gel

Dylans Candy Bar Coconut Bon Bon Shower Gel

One of my favorite ways to relax is to indulge in a bubble bath complete with dim lights and candles. So I like to try out all sorts of bath time products to enhance my relaxing experience. One of my favorite shower gels (that I use for my bubble baths) is from Dylan’s Candy Bar. Now many people know of Dylan’s from their delicious shops filled with tempting confections but this is one indulgence that won’t add any unwanted pounds to your waist line.

A small amount of the liquid provides a great lather. The scent is a light coconut mixed in with a warm vanilla, it’s very refreshing. This shower gel is also filled with lots of wonderful ingredients to nourish the skin:

  • Aloe Vera: Relieves skin irritation, redness, and itchiness; offers moisturizing qualities.
  • Vitamin E: An antioxidant that protects the skin and works as an anti-wrinkle agent.
  • Jojoba Seed Oil: Contains natural anti-inflammatory effects; softens and protects the skin.
  • Glycerin: Occurs naturally; adds moisturizing elements and feeling to shower gel.

Overall I loved the shower gel, the scent was not overpowering and it didn’t dry out my already dry winter skin. I can’t wait to try to the coconut lip saver from this line.

What products do you use to help your relax?

Review: UNITE Shampoo and Conditioner

UNITE Shampoo and Conditioner

Have you been on the hunt for a cruelty-free shampoo that is kind to your hair? Well then I have the shampoo for you! UNITE shampoo is a favorite among celebrities such as  Heidi Klum, Eva Longoria, Sienna Miller, David Beckham and  Jennifer Hudson but I have yet to try. So when I was offered the opportunity to sample the shampoo and conditioner I jumped at the chance.

What I like most about UNITE is that not only is the product cruelty-free but it’s also free of parabens, sulfate, dea & mea ingredients, and gluten. The formula is created to not strip your hair of essential moisture and to create volume and shine. I can say that I was pretty impressed with the results. Usually my hair is super dry after I rinse out my shampoo and I have to add conditioner right away but not this time. My hair was noticeable smoother and easier to get a comb through. Yay!

The volumizing shampoo contains these key botanical ingredients:

  • Hydroxypropyl Methocellulose: Thickens hair and enhances volume
  • Moringa Seed Extract : Color Locking Antioxidant
  • Botanisil: Moisturizes, locks in color, thermal protector

The volumizing conditioner is very light, but does the job. My hair was well moisturized and even after blow drying it, it still remained soft and not dried out. The conditioner also contains key botanical ingredients to moisturize your hair:

  • Behentrimonium: Gives weightless moisture
  • Moringa Seed Extract : Color Locking Antioxidant
  • Botanisil: Moisturizes, locks in color, thermal protector

If you are looking for a great cruelty free option then I highly recommend UNITE, you will not be disappointed!

Disclosure: The products mentioned were provided by a PR company for editorial consideration

Buddha Balm, good karma?

Buddha Balm company mission: To be relevant in the lives of our users and inspire people to realize their potential and their dreams. How can lip balm do that? It’s simple, when you feel good, you do good.

Buddha Balm has concocted a sweet treat for your lips! These deliciously flavored and scented lip balms are soy-based, petroleum, preservative and paraben free. Buddha Balm comes in four Flavors: Lychee Pomegranate, Burnt Sugar Fig, Mandarin Orange Ginger and Crushed Mint Apple. These lip balms have moisturizing ingredients such as Coconut Oil, Soybean oil, Vitamin E and Beeswax to keep you lips soft and protected.

I tried all four flavors but I would have to say that the Lychee Pomegranate was my favorite. The fruity taste was not overwhelming and kept my lips smooth and supple all day long. The texture is creamy and easily glides across the lips. These lip balms can be purchased for $4 at Kitson, Ricky’s NYC and buddhabalm.com. These lip balms are great quality at a great price – good karma indeed.

Disclosure: The product(s) featured in this review were provided for editorial consideration. Receipt of a product does not guarantee review and all opinions are my own. For further information, please see my disclosure policy.