Last Friday I wrote about a sizzling hot summer must-have from Frederic Fekkai’s Marine Summer Hair line called Frederic Fekkai Marine Summer Hair Marine Clean Detox Shampoo. It’s a great seasonal shampoo for clarifying and clearing away product build-up, chlorine and other debris and residual deposits which can be responsible for dull, heavy and discolored hair, particularly during the hot summer months.

Today I wanted to feature another Frederic Fekkai Marine Summer hair product which also works beautifully and is so convenient and easy to use for summer days and seasonal summertime travel. It’s a leave-in conditioner aptly named Frederick Fekkai Marine Summer Hair Beachcomber Leave-In Conditioner. This moisture boosting, shine enhancing, and UV protecting conditioner makes detangling as easy as pulling the comb though softened butter.  You simply shampoo and rinse your hair as usual and then shake the leave-in conditioning product well and spray onto your damp hair and comb through. This time saving spray is not only easy and convenient to use, it also imparts a lovely soft, silky, sexy and more manageable mane due to the exotic marine botanicals it’s formulated with, such as, red, blue and green micro sea algae, marine peptides and Sea Kelp.

I’m so impressed with my Frederic Fekkai Marine Summer Hair line of products, I’m going to stock up for future use (…even when it’s no longer summertime!) because I noticed SkinStore.com mentions it as being a “limited edition” line (or available while supplies last) on their Frederic Fekkai Marine Summer products webpages. And Frederic Fekkai Marine Summer Hair Marine Clean Detox Shampoo and Frederic Fekkai Marine Summer Hair Beachcomber Leave-In Conditioner are two fabulous products I do NOT want to run out of. Ever!!
 

If you read yesterday’s blog article about summertime beauty with Too Faced and it piqued your interest in must-have products for the sunny season, you may be interested in this article as well.  However, this article doesn’t mention pool-side makeup or cosmetics for the summer season, but it does mention a sub-line of products from Frederic Fekkai hair care that will have you and your locks looking gorgeous after a holiday of sunshine and pool dipping.

Summer hair can take a beating from sweat, oils, environmental impurities, chlorine and even the rays from the sun. It’s also a season in which we seem to go out at night more often which usually means extra hair styling, thus creating possible extra damage by the frequent use of hot styling tools.

Frederic Fekkai Marine Summer Hair Marine Clean Detox Shampoo is the perfect summertime purchase for saving and showing off your beautiful head of hair. The clarifying shampoo is actually gentle enough to be used daily, yet thoroughly and effectively removes chlorine deposits, impurities and product build-up. In addition to the efficacy of its detoxifying properties it also hydrates, nourishes, repairs and protects for a beautiful head of gorgeous, shiny and manageable hair. It contains marine botanicals, beneficial sea algae, sea kelp and even marine peptides. And if all that isn’t enough...it even protects your hair from color fade and UV damage.

Yesterday I wrote about how impressed I was with my amazing massage I had recently received which featured the alternative medicinal therapy known as Reflexology. And today I have even more good news about holistic well-being via two other approaches.
 
Both aromatherapy and detoxification practices and modalities are two other means of creating and feeling an amazing sense of well-being, health and mental clarity.

My pick for instant revitalization is through aromatherapy. Aromatherapy Associates brand offers a brilliant bath and shower oil that literally energizes both my body and my mind. Aromatherapy Associates Revive Morning Bath and Shower Oil is my morning wake-up call and starts my day off with a smile and a zest for life I hadn’t felt in years.
 
Additionally, during my new quest for an amazing sense of well-being I discovered a product from Elemis that has helped me immensely with feeling like a whole new healthy woman. It is a detoxifying system which cleanses the body internally thus flushing excess fluid retention and eliminating toxins that previously made me feel tired and my skin look dull and sallow. The detoxification program is called Elemis Deep Drainage Cleansing Body Enhancement Capsules and it works brilliantly. And if feeling absolutely amazing isn’t enough to give it a try…it also promotes a sense of satiety which decreases the appetite resulting in a slimmer, svelter and sexier you!

Last Friday I wrote about the prescription eyelash enhancing solution called Latisse. I also mentioned I decided to go with a non-prescription lash enhancer (due to some pre-existing eye problems along with a few other issues) and told you I’d tell you about which one I went with today.

I chose to go with Revitalash brand because of all the great customer reviews including one from a physician who was so very impressed with her results and the product itself. And I have to say, I am too. My sparse eyelashes became fuller, thicker and dramatically longer. Additionally, I found the results to be quick and the tube lasted much longer than the thirty day supply from Latisse. I liked how the brand uses peptides and nourishing botanicals to safely enhance growth. It’s as if the lashes (or cells that produce the lashes) are conditioned and nourished as opposed to chemically changed. Check out the photo available on SkinStore.com to see a dramatic before and after picture similar to the results I too experienced.

Along with having sparse lashes, I also have blonde, straight ones…with hardly any lashes on the bottom eyelid. After using it for only a few weeks I noticed a difference, and after four weeks I couldn’t believe the difference! I had beautiful eyelashes for the very first time in my life. I mean I’ve certainly had great results with great volumizing and lengthening mascaras, but I’ve never had eyelashes like this without wearing any mascara at all.

Revitalash definitely walks its talk and does what it claims to do. I’m so glad I went with a product that was a safer choice for me and yet worked so brilliantly. I’m batting my lashes right now for you Revitalash!  ;)

I’m sure most of you have heard about Latisse, the relatively new prescription drug for the treatment of hypotrichosis (the state of having inadequate or not enough, or an insufficient amount of eye-lashes). The actual active part of the drug known as bimatoprost was first used as a glaucoma treatment to reduce increased or elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in those affected with hypertensive conditions of the eye. I believe the brand name for the original use was/is Lumigan. Those who used the original prescription solution for their IOP (as well as those who prescribed it) started noticing an increase in the length, volume and color of their (or their patients’) eyelashes. Thus the eyelash enhancing solution (Latisse) was born.
 
For the most part, Latisse seems to have an impressive success rate and users seem to be satisfied and happy with their results. However, as with many prescription drug preparations, there can be drawbacks, some of which may be serious. Side effects can include (but not limited to) eye irritation, eye dryness, changes (or darkening) of the eyelid (most likely reversible after discontinuation), and theoretically Latisse can deepen iris pigmentation (likely permanent) causing a light or blue eye to actually turn brown. However, it is my understanding that the latter was most likely found in patients who used the original solution for the treatment of glaucoma whereby the product was placed directly into the eye as opposed to the application of Latisse in which the solution is applied to the margin of the upper eyelid only. Additionally, those who have eye issues such as glaucoma who may already be using medications to lower their ocular pressure may actually interfere with the treatment of lowering their IOP when using the two drugs concurrently. Therefore, those with eye conditions and/or eye disease should be monitored closely and may not be a good candidate for using Latisse.

Though Latisse seems to have quite a following and some impressive studies and is obviously FDA approved, I was still a tad nervous to try it even though I probably had less than 20 eyelashes per eye and they were blonde to boot. LOL But then again I do have many eye problems so I’m fairly certain I’m not a very good candidate so I suppose you can’t really go by what I chose to do instead. However, the eyelash enhancing treatment I used worked brilliantly and I was never even remotely nervous to try it. I’ll share what eyelash enhancing product I decided to go with on Monday!

I have found the ultimate in oral care in terms of acquiring a healthy set of teeth, mouth and gums along with promoting a gorgeous sparkling white smile. Supersmile Sonic Pulse Toothbrush Plus Large Whitening System is the best device and system you can purchase and use in your own home for obtaining a beautiful healthy smile I’ve come across in years.
 
Supersmile Sonic Pulse Toothbrush Plus Large Whitening System is a $174 value but can be purchased at SkinStore.com for only $159! The kit comes with the highly effective sonic toothbrush which is virtually like having your own professional cleaning on a daily basis. It’ cleans beneath the gum and polishes and whitens the teeth at an astounding 30,000 advanced strokes per minute. Supersmile Sonic Pulse Toothbrush has an ergonomic handle which is waterproof, reaches difficult areas of the mouth and stands up to ensure a more sanitary drying while storing. Additionally, the brush offers three modes of brushing, all of which sweep away bacteria and plaque. There is a two-minute auto-timer on the unit which alerts the user every 30 seconds in order to effectively brush and clean all four quarters of the mouth and teeth.

As an additional perk the system comes with the highly customer rated whitening system from Supersmile as well. And it’s the larger size kit to boot! Supersmile Professional Whitening System whitens teeth beautifully, easily and effectively. It comes with the acclaimed Supersmile Accelerator along with the Supersmile Whitening Toothpaste which when used in combination twice daily promotes the whitest teeth you could only dream of. It’s easy, there are no messy trays and you can use the system in tandem with the Sonic Pulse Toothbrush for exponential whitening results.

Ever need a particular product or item you used to always rely on and now can’t seem to find it anywhere? Whether it’s a makeup or beauty product or household gadget or cleaning supply…it seems we’ve all had favorites that seem to disappear at our favorite stores or markets.
 
This has happened to me, my family members, my friends and my forum members so many times that I had to figure out a go-to place where I could almost always find these elusive little hard-to-find products. Little did I know I would discover a place that I already used on a weekly or bi-weekly basis!

One day I wanted desperately to find these disposable dishwashing towelettes I used to use. They are so handy…because the soap is built directly into the towelette. After using one…you simply toss it. It’s a great way to keep from doing so much laundry and it makes me feel better that I’m not using a reusable washcloth that is harboring bacteria daily. I couldn’t find them anywhere…so I searched the net. My answer on some obscure forum was to try Drugstore.com!  While I was on the site looking for those I found my favorite brand of sponges called Twist! The brand is 100% biodegradable and the products are the best. I love the Twist Loofah Sponge and the Twist Naked Sponge. Both are excellent products that I haven’t been able to find in ages.

Additionally, I sometimes can’t find certain “As seen on TV” products at my local Rite Aid and other stores…but I’ve found virtually every one I’ve ever wanted at DrugStore.com’s, “As Seen on TV” webpage.

And lastly, one time I desperately wanted to find those cotton swabs that have a wooden stick as opposed to a plastic or paper one, and again…I found them at Drugstore.com.

Kudos to the buyers and merchandising team at Drugstore.com. You always seem to have our back!!

After dating an amazing man for quite some time, I had been dreading having him over because my apartment is so small and not very fancy (although very girly and cute!), but knew I just had to at some point. Before the date, I cleaned it like a maniac (think spring cleaning…squared!) and even purchased a new painting for the bare wall above the sofa. I felt I had finally gotten it fairly decent so decided to ask him over for dinner. I was more nervous than a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs but somehow I managed to get my work done, go buy the groceries for the perfect dinner and touch up a few details such as arranging the sofa pillows to whimsically match the new painting before he arrived. I also wondered what the best final touch would be and all of a sudden it hit me like a ton of bricks! What’s more romantic and enticing than a house decorated in beautiful scent?!! And I’m not just talking about perfume…I’m talkin’ bout’ candles! Lighted candles not only facilitate romance beautifully in terms of ambiance…they make the house smell incredible, inviting and oh so seductive!

I was so excited when I realized the gorgeous candle I was about to light was not only the best smelling candle I’d ever had the pleasure of lighting but also matched the scent of my body lotion I had just applied after my shower.  I decided not to wear additional fragrance (parfum) because when it comes to beautiful sultry scent…less is definitely more! And I couldn’t have asked for more in terms of the perfectly scented setting.

The candle I chose as my coffee table centerpiece (and aromatic seduction) is by an upscale and brilliant candle making brand called Votivo. Their candles are packaged elegantly and are highly appealing in terms of looks, burn and scent. I purchased the candle at SkinStore.com a month or so ago and had forgotten all about it. I’m so glad I thought of it when I did…because it truly made my home smell amazing, look incredible and created the most relaxed and romantic ambiance I could ever have dreamed of.

Votivo Dalian Glass Candle Vanilla Bergamont Blossom is a soy based candle poured into an elegant cut glass jar. It’s aromatically infused delicately with Lily petals, vanilla and cinnamon which provide the most amazing romantic and inviting scent for your home. The black chiseled glass jar it’s packaged in makes it a beautiful centerpiece whether you place it on your mantle, coffee table or anywhere you decide to place it.

Kerstin Florian Caviar Line is decadent skin care fit for a queen (or princess…such as you and me). But even commoners (yes I know that’s what I am ;)) will love our transcendent results with this brilliant line.

The specialty Kerstin Florian line is formulated around a few key ingredients such as sevruga caviar, caffeine, Chinese herbs and Coenzyme A. The caviar is a magnificent protein for promoting cellular health.  The products repair and rejuvenate aging skin.

My favorite among the line is Kerstin Florian Caviar Eye Crème. It’s the best eye product I know of for reducing dark circles and many users (according to ratings and reviews) wholeheartedly agree. Additionally, it hydrates, nourishes and repairs the eye area promoting a luminous and youthful appearance. It’s a tad pricey…but well worth it…because it’s so very rare to find an eye cream that truly does get rid of dark circles. I haven’t looked tired a single day since I started using it!
 
A great way to try out Kerstin Florian’s Caviar line is by purchasing the Kerstin Florian Caviar Pure Luxury Kit. It’s only $110 and is a $136 value. The set contains travel sizes of four of the brands best products creating a complete regimen. The complete set comes with the Caviar Crème Cleanser, Caviar Rose Damascena Mist, Caviar Age Defense Crème and Caviar Night Crème. This skin care regimen will have you glowing with radiance. All eyes will be on you when you walk into any room!!

After getting to know so many women over the years, I have come to conclude that Imelda wasn’t the only one with a shoe fetish. One of my co-workers told me she has enough shoes to wear a different pair every day for several months. To make matters even more interesting, most of her shoes are high heeled and not exactly made for comfort.

I too love the look of high heels but struggle with the discomfort, especially since I’m a dance fitness instructor and have to protect my feet against the pounding I take at the gym. Is it possible for me to go clubbing in heels and still walk the next day?

Foot Petals just might be the best friend to Imelda wannabes everywhere. The founder of Foot Petals worked in the fashion industry for years and suffered from the effects of painful, high heeled shoes. That lead her to create a line of shoe cushion inserts that take the pain out of fashionable footwear. The line of products includes full inserts, ball of the foot cushions, heel liners and more. For every pair of shoes you have, Foot Petals has a solution. These are very discreet inserts that even work with strappy sling backs.

If your feet are screaming at you, check out Foot Petals. These miracle workers might just change that old cliché that you have to suffer for fashion.

How would you like an eye shadow make-up palette which would be used (and is also designed) by a professional make-up artist? Jane Iredale has created one for those of us who certainly would love a professional makeup kit like this. It’s packaged in a fashion forward faux alligator skinned wallet and created in the classic formation of the typical artist’s palette.

The gorgeous colors included within the wallet consist of ample amounts of Blue Sky, Cut Grass, Grape, Copper, Indigo and Truffle.
 
Jane Iredale brand is the perfect cosmetic line because it is a mineral based brand that contains no talc. The brand’s foundations/makeup is composed of micronized mineral bases which are concentrated pigments which act as makeup, concealer and powder all in one. The mineral content also offers physical sunscreen which decreases the need for chemical sunscreens which have been known to cause sensitivities in certain people and different types of skin.

Jane Iredale Artist Eyes 2 is the perfect eye makeup kit for most everyone. If however, you do not wear or need that many (or those specific) colors or you simply want a compact with only your favorite or daily- wear colors, I’m sure there’s a Jane Iredale Eye Shadows kit perfectly tailored for you. Check out Jane Iredale Eye Shadows webpage at SkinStore.com. I assure you, there will be the perfect eye-shadow kit/compact/refill formulated just for you!

Exercising only getting you so far? Dieting still not getting you to your goal? Everyone seems to get stuck with working on their body at some point…but thankfully it’s usually after they’ve achieved quite a bit of success. What I used to always struggle with was actually toning and sculpting my body. I suppose I didn’t do enough weight training, but for me exercise must be fun in order to do it. I love to hula-hoop, jazzercise, dancing, and going on long walks on the beach. I especially love walking with my best friend chatting about everything under the sun or the man I love just holding hands. All of these are ideal for keeping my weight down and my heart healthy but what my body also needed was a little boost in the firming up department!

Though my weight was ideal and I was gaining tons of energy, my body still looked and felt squishy. My grandson even nicknamed me Mushy! Now that pretty much made me take a long look in the wardrobe mirror. My skin and muscles lacked tone and definition. In a word (or ten) I looked great in clothes (long sleeves and pants) but in a summer dress or my birthday or swimming suit…Not so much! My skin was not only loose it was dimpled and folding. It felt like this had happened over night. Genetically I’ve always been fairly prone to cellulite…but this particular day really made me stop and take note I had to do something about it.

I ran across a customer rating about Wellbox The Lipomassage Machine which is a product I had written about a time or two before but had forgotten about it because the price felt out of my range. I knew back then I wanted to save up for it but it just took a little longer than I had expected. In fact, truth be known…I finally ended up charging it by placing it on two credit cards!

The rating simply stated that the woman felt she couldn’t wear a bikini due to the cellulite on both her inner and back of her thighs until she bought this machine. Her exact words… “if you’re like me, then you need this machine!” She said that after about 6 weeks she began to see “amazing” results. She said it “streamlined” her figure and “smoothed out ugly orange peel.” She was so impressed and so I started researching more and more customer ratings. Most all concurred that it was an amazing results-oriented machine and worked just as well as more expensive office treatments such as Endermologie.

I finally mustered up the courage and pulled out my wallet…ordered The Lipomassage Machine…and have never looked back. Well, except for looking at the back of my now beautiful smooth thighs!!!