The phenomenal night cream is called Prevage Anti-Aging Night Cream by Elizabeth Arden. It’s a blend of high performance moisturizers that nourish and infuse the skin with idebenone and Mega complex-A which leave you with a smoother, brighter, toned and radiant complexion. My skin also feels hydrated all day long. I love my skin. It’s more than just looking better…it’s repaired! I love Prevage Products!

I just ran across the coolest site for brides! I found a webpage on Beauty.com called Secrets of the Blushing Bride…and other wedding makeup wonders! I’ve loved Beauty.com since the first time I stumbled onto it and made my first purchase. The selection was amazing and the service outstanding. But specialty pages like this makes this website stellar!

When you first click on the link (from the home page) you’re brought to a nice pastel template page of 8 face shapes along with brands that correspond. Each face has a different look that you may want to use for your eyes or facial contours on your special day. And then when you click on that link (Shop this look!) you're taken to a specific products page (I've included the links below) that contains the brand products along with makeup tips for achieving the look to which you're aspiring. They also offer kits that you can purchase in their entirety so that you'll get every make-up product you'll need with no worry. It's a brilliant way to alleviate any additional stress when it comes to buying makeup or for the application of makeup for the biggest day of your life. And when it comes to how stressful it can be to be a bride-to-be...it's nice to take advantage of any stress relievers that may come your way!

Tarte

http://www.drugstore.com/templates/bundles/default.asp?catid=157454&sctrx=dps-16&sctrxp1=157485

Bare Escentuals

http://www.drugstore.com/templates/bundles/default.asp?catid=157454&sctrx=dps-16&sctrxp1=157485

stila

http://www.drugstore.com/templates/bundles/default.asp?catid=157454&sctrx=dps-16&sctrxp1=157485

Too Faced

http://www.drugstore.com/templates/bundles/default.asp?catid=157456&sctrx=dps-16&sctrxp1=157485

Sue Devitt

http://www.drugstore.com/templates/bundles/default.asp?catid=157458&sctrx=dps-16&sctrxp1=157485

DuWop

http://www.drugstore.com/templates/bundles/default.asp?catid=157449&sctrx=dps-16&sctrxp1=157485

Mally Beauty

http://www.drugstore.com/templates/bundles/default.asp?catid=157455&sctrx=dps-16&sctrxp1=157485

Urban Decay

http://www.drugstore.com/templates/bundles/default.asp?catid=157457&sctrx=dps-16&sctrxp1=157485

Best wishes on your big day!!

For gorgeous summertime hair you’ve got to up the ante a little in terms of special shampoos, conditioners and treatments. This holds especially true for those of us with color or highlighted hair.

For beautiful summertime locks check out Frederic Fekkai ADVANCED Salon Technician Color Care Travel Faves Kit. It’s a great way to try out Frederic Fekkai products as well as give yourself a needed summer boost of vibrant beautiful hair. It contains a natural shield (Galanga Root) that prevents UV damage from the sun’s harmful rays. Hot summer sun can damage your hair dramatically if you don’t keep it protected.

The kit also includes Salon Technician Color Care Shampoo which cleanses and protects  while also fighting dreaded hair-color fade. Next, it has Salon Technician Color Care Conditioner which promotes silky shine and is rich in emollients. You’ll also receive a Salon Technician Anti-Fade Top Coat that seals the cuticle of the hair shaft which prevents frizz and color fade and also protects the hair from daily environmental damage. It has a brilliant purse size Sheer Hold Hair Spray that produces an all day “feather-weight” brush through hold without ever feeling sticky. Just beautiful and soft!

I’ve written so much for women (from the tops of your beautiful heads down to the tips of your little pinky toes) in terms of skin care, beauty and health…However, I’ve managed to avoid writing about our private parts. But as I search my soul about my responsibilities to my readers, I realized that avoiding the issue is not very responsible of me. If we can chat about some of our questions, thoughts and research we can all help each other with what can otherwise be some embarrassing issues.

Therefore, I’m going to share with you some products that I’ve either used personally or have heard reviews from others who say they work really well and most importantly are effective (when used properly).

All the products I’m going to discuss can be found and conveniently ordered online through Drugstore.com.

Bacterial Vaginosis is an embarrassing and often irritating condition that many women struggle with. There are reports that suggest it’s the most common vaginal infection in women of childbearing age. Traditional treatment is prescription antibiotics. And it is extremely important to get a diagnosis from your doctor to be sure that you are indeed treating the correct condition as there are many infections that mimic one another, some of which are much more serious than others. However, for the specific treatment of BV there are homeopathic treatments as well as prescription antibiotics. VH essentials BV Treatment Homeopathic Time-Release Vaginal Insert is one such treatment.  It helps to restore a balanced vaginal environment and that’s key when it comes to treating this infection because essentially everything is off balance when this infection occurs, from pH to an abnormal bacterial count. And remember there are good bacteria in our bodies and we do not want them out of balance with the bad bacteria. This is an excellent product, is easy to use and is affordable.

When you’re positive you have a yeast infection as opposed to the one mentioned above or any other, you may want to try Gyne-Lotrimin 7 or Gyne-Lotrimin 3 both available at Drugstore.com (best price and service I’ve found), both excellent treatments and both highly rated.

Lastly, for vaginal lubrication try Lubrin Vaginal Lubricating Inserts. They’re pre-measured, easy to use, unscented, colorless, water soluble and are long lasting. Customer reviews all concur they feel that this product is the best lubricating product they’ve found. They also mention they’re hard to find. However, I found them at Drugstore.com and priced competitively. All customer reviews that I have read mentioned an increased and enhanced sexual experience.

Hands down! My most prized possession in my makeup bag (at least in spring and summer) is my bronzer(s). I seriously think if I were only able to have one cosmetic item in my purse it would be my precious bronzer. However, a lipstick or mascara would indeed be a very close second! But there is something about me that desperately needs color. Especially a sun kissed bronze look. I don’t think I could ever look my very best  with straight porcelain white skin. However, when I see other’s who do I’m always so impressed with their beauty. I’m just not one of them. Perhaps it’s the Native American facial structure in me (even though my hair is blonde) that just looks as though my skin should be golden or bronzed.

Having rambled on, I guess I should get straight to the best bronzers I’ve ever tried. And you can be sure…I’ve tried them all!

I’m crazy for Too Faced The Bronze and The Beautiful!

A collection of three bronzers in three different tones. You can use them individually or use them all to customize a brilliant color just for you. A winter shade that highlights and brightens. A medium shade that sculpts and warms up the skin for a nice sun kissed glow. And a classic bronze that gives the ultimate tanned look. It also comes with a fabulous brush…which they refer to as their “Flatbuki Brush.”

My most recent find I’m very impress with is Philosophy The Supernatural Instant Sunshine!

Perfect for an instant healthy looking glow. It’s sheer and provides a very natural look. It’s mess free and it’s very easy to apply.

Lastly, when you want a bronzed look but also need oil control, you’ll go nuts over Cosmedicine Matte and Bronze Bronzing Powder with Shine Control. It does just as the name suggests: gives you an amazing bronzed look with long lasting shine control. You’re left with a gorgeous color with a flawless, shine free complexion.

This spring my trip to Europe was cancelled due to the volcano in Iceland erupting. Although disappointed that I wasn’t going to Europe, how can you get mad a volcano? It’s really an amazing natural phenomenon. It’s a true indication that as much as humans try to control their surroundings, Mother Nature is in charge and she is constantly making that clear.

What’s particularly amazing is all of the geological changes that take place following an eruption. While I won’t bore you with all of the science, I will just tell you that volcanic ash is rich in minerals that have many uses.

One beneficial material that originates from volcanic ash is bentonite, a white clay that is highly absorbent and detoxifying. Historically, it has been used medicinally. Today it’s used in skin care products to absorb excess oil and pull impurities out of the pores.

You can find bentonite most often in purifying mask treatments generally geared towards oily, acne-prone skin. The clay helps to reduce sebum and draw out all of the crud that can lead to breakouts. I like to use a purifying mask at least twice a week to keep my skin clear. I love the idea of using a natural, chemical-free substance to help me maintain a clear complexion. I especially appreciate the healthy glow I see after using a bentonite-based product.  Here’s just a sampling of my favorites:

DDF Sulfur Therapeutic Mask
Boscia Clarifying Detox Mask
Murad Acne Clarifying Mask
Decleor Aroma Cleanse Clay and Herbal Cleansing Mask

My sister is always teasing me about my obsessing over my breath. I’m not quite sure if she’s just protecting my feelings or not but she swears she’s never smelled bad breath on me. And then when I say something along the lines of “Linda, are you sure you’re not just saying that?” She really goes into her “Oh my gosh…you’ve got OCD!” mode…and then of course laughs her hiney off…and proceeds to tell me to pop a Tic Tac and get over it. Well one, Tic Tacs tend to make me feel like my breath gets even worse once they’ve dissolved and two, I want something that’s more than just a temporary little fix.

And thanks to an amazing product I found on Drugstore.com, I’ve indeed found the proverbial big fat gun!

Have any of you heard of SmartMouth mouthwash? It is incredible! In fact, so incredible I never obsess or worry anymore about my “real or imagined” bad breath. Because I simply no longer have anything but the longest lasting, freshest breath since I’ve purchased this phenomenal product. Can ya tell I’m impressed??

SmartMouth mouth wash lasts for 12 hours and is great to use anytime and anywhere. It doesn’t stain your teeth or dentures and is alcohol free. You get ten packets in a box, and it’s only about five bucks.

So if you have any worries of sporting anything less than “stellar breath” you’ve got to try this product. You’ll never worry again!

I have written before about the Silk’n SensEpil Removal Device. It has allowed many women to safely eliminate body hair without expensive professional laser treatments. It has also allowed for the convenience of at-home use. I have even talked about making a party of it and inviting your friends over to share the device. This of course means supplying your own Silk’n SensEpil Refill Cartridge.

Since last writing about the Silk’n, I have heard many reports that people are having trouble finding the refill cartridge. It’s important to understand when you buy the device that hair removal will require multiple sessions. With each session the hair grows in more slowly and more fine. Some women have become frustrated when they see great results only to have to stop because some of the top online retailers are out of stock on the refill cartridges.

If you’re having this problem, visit SkinStore.com. I have not noticed any stocking issues and you can get a great deal during one of the regular sales.

Make sure you always have an extra cartridge on hand so that you can continue down the path of smooth, fuzz-free skin!

Have you noticed how some men just hate to shave and in fact put it off? I think it’s because of all of the irritation that can follow with sensitive skin. Most men don’t like to admit they are sensitive. For some reason that word gets related to weakness and an idea that one is less than masculine.

The truth is that shaving is hard on the skin and even men who don’t ordinarily have sensitivity issues can experience razor bumps and ingrown hairs. The best thing to do is start with really high quality products that prepare the skin prior to shaving and protect it afterwards.

I always recommend The Art of Shaving because it’s a brand that specializes in products for this specific niche. They know their stuff! The Art of Shaving Products are scented only with essential oils, not synthetic perfumes that can irritate. Everything is formulated to make shaving more comfortable and enjoyable.

The Art of Shaving Pre-Shave Oil Sandalwood should be applied prior to shaving in order to soften the beard and prevent irritation. It’s a non-greasy formula that won’t clog pores or cause breakouts. This will make the shaving process easier. After shaving the skin will really benefit from The Art of Shaving After Shave Balm Sandalwood. Many after shave treatments contain products that actually irritate the skin even more. This one soothes and refreshes while preventing razor bumps and ingrown hairs. For any man who’s not crazy about the scent of sandalwood, there are others to choose from.

The Art of Shaving Tools can make the shaving experience especially effective and fun so check those out too. They make for great gifts.

By now none of our readers here on Beauty Research should be surprised to read that I love mineral makeup. It’s done wonders for me, a very oily type who is prone to breakouts. Mineral makeup covers imperfections without blocking pores or leaving a heavy, greasy feel. It can also help to heal pimples by reducing inflammation.

I have been really excited to see all of the new additions bareMinerals has been offering their fans. Not only are these new products compatible with the mineral foundations but they actually make everything work much better.

I absolutely rely on a primer before using my foundation. Primers smooth out imperfections and make it easier to apply makeup. bareMinerals bareVitamins Prime Time is good for all skin types but perhaps most beneficial for those with oily skin. It helps to absorb excess oil and reduces the size of pores. My foundation lasts longer and my skin feels healthier.

Since I’m prone to breakouts, it has generally been a challenge to find blemish remedies that don’t interfere with my makeup. When I first tried bareMinerals RareMinerals Blemish Therapy from the bareMinerals RareMinerals Skin Treatments collection, I couldn’t believe how well it worked. You just brush it right onto the zit and then apply your foundation over the top. The powder treatment helps reduce inflammation and speed healing during the day. How perfect is that?

I have a feeling I will be talking more about bareMinerals. The company keeps coming out with great stuff!

I’ve been noticing many comment and forum exchanges within the blog about ingredients. Especially one’s for beauty and skin care that people aren’t used to hearing about or have never heard about.

I thought it would be great fun and a fabulous resource for us all if we started an “ingredients” thread in forums. I will add the link to the comment portion of this blog entry so that we can all participate.

Please click on the link and tell us about your favorite ingredient and exactly why that is. Also include what and why you’re under the impression that it works…or even if you don’t know why or how it does exactly…just let us know if it seems to have worked for you. You may also want to inform us about strange or unfamiliar ingredients…or even old wives tale ingredients. You could even mention snake oil ingredients if you know of some…but of course let us know that they are considered as such! 

I think this will be a great and fun way to learn about so many beauty ingredients and maybe we could even do something really great for those who participate, such as a discount coupon code to a beauty website or something along those lines. I’ll look into what I can do from that end…but even if I can’t find a beauty website to contribute…at least we’ll all be that much more knowledgeable! And beauty knowledge leads to a beautiful appearance! 

With Father's Day right around the corner all the buzz around the proverbial 'beauty-biz water cooler" is about what to get him!?! Well have I got some great guy gift ideas for all of you!

Great gifts for your great guy:

From the Grooming Lounge check out the highly rated Greatest Shave Ever Kit. Men love this aptly named gift-set because it truly gives them the closest shave they've ever attained. The common denominator as to why that is, seems to be one of the great products the kit comes with. The Grooming Lounge Master Shave Oil (which may be purchased individually) is undoubtedly the reason. The stellar formulation which creates the smoothest glide available includes both avocado and peppermint oil which lubricates the beard and soothes the skin without leaving any oily residue.
 
This next great gift is awesome as well! Jack Black Body Rehab Scrub and Muscle Soak is sure to put a huge smile on any man's face. It's a fabulous exfoliating scrub, tension reliever and moisturizer in one. It's also formulated with arnica which relieves pain, inflammation and bruising as well as eucalyptus which has anti-microbial properties. This is a must-have gift for any dad who works out or just plain works hard!
 

I absolutely love scented creams, lotions and body sprays. However, when I want to wear perfume, I find that the scents compete with each other. Too much of a good thing is definitely a downer! I suppose I could just use an unscented body moisturizer on evenings when I want to wear perfume but sometimes I’m looking for a solution that’s a little more fun.

Just as you coordinate the colors of your wardrobe, coordinate your fragrances and select ones that complement each other. For an amateur, that’s not easy to do so why not rely on someone else to do it for you? There are quite a few brands these days that offer body lotions or creams with the same scent as their signature fragrances. Philosophy is at the top of the list.

Philosophy Pure Grace has been around for a while. It’s a clean, feminine scent that will probably become a classic. There are various products in the line but the Philosophy Pure Grace Fragrance is really the hero. It’s difficult to mix with other fragrances because it’s pretty distinctive so I am thrilled that there are complementing products. For my moisturizer, I like to use Philosophy Amazing Grace Perfumed Body Spritz. The spray is fun to use and I find that it enhances the fragrance. It also leaves my skin feeling silky soft, perhaps because of all of the beneficial added antioxidants. My skin feels and smells amazing all evening!

Check out other fragrance sets from Philosophy. It’s a great way to have fun without falling into the fragrance overload trap.