Category: ‘bath and body’

Sandals May Look Harmless, But They’re Not So Nice To Your Poor Feet

Sandal season is upon us once again, and whether you opt for cheap-o plastic flip flops or designer gladiators, you’re going to need to show your newly re-exposed feet a little extra loving at the end of the day.

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Profoot Toe Bandages ($3)

It takes a while to get used to having an abrasive thong between your toes; soothe callused tootsies with toe bandages, cut-to-size tubes that encircle toes like Band Aids can’t.

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Dr. Scholl’s For Her Ball of Foot Cushion ($6.50)

Make your super-high wedge sandals a walk in the park to wear by slipping invisible gel cushions into them. The sleek design enhances the foot’s natural gripping motion, taking the pressure off the balls of your feet and actually improving circulation.

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Heel Rescue Gel Therapy Booties ($16)

Beautify your sandal feet (and make that expensive pedi actually worth it) by spending 20 minutes in Heel Rescue Gel Therapy Booties. There’s no messy creams or lotions—the gel’s built right into the spa-quality booties, which meld to your foot’s shape to promote moisturizing, heal cracks, and smooth rough patches.

Treat Your Feet To a Little Extra Sandal Season Pampering

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What:
Profoot Foot Care Products

Why: Sandal season is upon us once again, and whether you opt for cheap-o plastic flip flops or designer gladiators, you're going to need to show your newly re-exposed feet a little extra loving at the end of the day. It takes awhile to get used to having an abrasive thong between your toes; soothe callused tootsies with Profoot Toe Bandages ($3), cushiony cut-to-size tubes that encircle toes like Band Aids can't.

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Make your super-high wedge sandals a walk in the park to wear by slipping invisible gel Toe Beds ($4.50) into them. The sleek design enhances the foot's natural gripping motion, taking the pressure off the balls of your feet and actually improving circulation.

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Beautify your sandal feet (and make that expensive pedi actually worth it) by spending 20 minutes in Heel Rescue Gel Therapy Booties ($16). There's no messy creams or lotions—the gel's built right into the spa-quality booties, which meld to your foot's shape to promote moisturizing, heal cracks and smooth rough patches. It's the least you can do to thank your feet for getting you through another day of sun and sand.

Get Yours: Get the entire line of foot-friendly Procare products at Drugstore.com

Women Who Test Beauty Products All Day Tell You Which Ones Are The Best

This week on Better.tv, we’re talking about the winners of the CEW beauty awards – a group of products that were chosen as the best and brightest by over 4,000 beauty insiders.

The competition separates products into “mass” (findable at a drugstore) and “prestige” (more expensive). Below, the winners from three very seasonally relevant categories.


Bath and Body Treatment

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In the Mass category, Avon Anew Professional Stretch Mark Smoother ($17) took the prize with its exclusive stretch-mark-reducing technology.

The Prestige product, Ojon Rare Harvest Tawaka “The Ball” ($55), is a body polish (in ball form) with the same amount of antioxidants as 2,834 lbs of blueberries, which is a lot of antioxidants/blueberries.


Hair Care, Style & Coloring

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Avon’s Advance Techniques Grey Root Touch-Up
($6), the Mass winner, is a mascara-like wand you can use to touch up greys between colorings – perfect and perfectly priced if you’re pinching beauty pennies.
The CEW’s Prestige hair pick, Living Proof No Frizz cream ($30), is a good antidote to the styling woes brought on by summer humidity.


Sun

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Before you head to the beach, it might be a good idea to pick up a can of Aveeno Continuous Protection Active Sunblock Spray SPF 70 ($10), voted best Mass sun product – it’s stronger sun protection than most, and the spray can makes application easy.

If it’s a self-tan you’re after, Clarins Delicious Self-Tanning Cream ($42) is a good bet with cocoa butter, cocoa bean, and a rich chocolate scent.

You can see a list of all the winners on the CEW website.

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Freebie Friday: Win A Beauty Basket (And A Cashmere Wrap!) Worth $450 From Vicks

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What: A pretty fantastic package of stuff from Vicks, including:
• Nordstrom Cashmere Sweater Knit Wrap
• L’Occitane Shea La Vie Gift Set and Hand Cream
• philosophy’s unconditional love gift set, including fragrance, bath gel, and lotion
Vicks VapoRub ointment
Sephora Porfessional Manicure/Pedicure Nail Kit
• Essie Spa Pedicure Mini Kit

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Why: We know it’s not cold season per se, but you can really catch colds all year round. Vicks wants to make sure you’re well stocked with cold-care essentials, like a soft cashmere wrap and Vicks VapoRub, just in case.

Plus, for all those healthy days when all you need is a little pampering, they’re throwing in nail care kits from Essie and Sephora, philosophy products in their beautiful new fragrance, and luxurious L’Occitane lotions and soaps.

How: Enter by commenting below about your favorite pampering ritual. And yes, we’d say shutting off your BlackBerry counts as pampering.

Once you’ve entered, stop by MomFinds for a chance to win a $200 shopping spree at Maggie Maternity.

1. Post a comment about your most-loved pampering ritual.

2. You must supply us with a valid email address and sign up for the SheFinds newsletter.

3. The contest starts now and entries must be date stamped by our server no later than Friday, May 1st, 2009 at 11:59 AM Eastern Time to be eligible.

4. Three winners will be selected during a random drawing and will be announced in the May 5th SheFinds newsletter. The winner must reply via email as instructed in the newsletter to claim the prize.

5. No prize substitutions.

6. You must be 18 years old or older to enter and a resident of the USA.

7. No purchase necessary.

8. Void where prohibited.

9. Click here for the full rules.

Solution: Get Flatter Abs Without Crunches….OK, You’ll Still Have To Do Some Crunches

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What: Bliss Love Handler, $36

Why:
I don't know anybody who's a fan of muffin tops. But I don't know too many people who are gung-ho about doing agonizing hours of crunches to get rid of them either. Bliss Spa's Love Handler is quite the happy medium.

Yes, you'll still have to do some kind of ab exercises, but if you're just looking for a little firming and some minimization of pudge, slathering on a nickel-sized dollop of Love Handler twice a day really does do the trick. For me, it took a couple weeks for the effects to show, but I did notice a difference.

I took the advice of some product reviewers and applied right before hitting the gym, and while part of it must be psychosomatic, I feel like I'm getting twice the oomph from those grueling planks and sit-ups.

Get Yours: Sephora.com

For those allergic to the gym, take peek at our Shapewear Guide and Yummie Tummie review for alternative ways to keep the muffin top in check. 

Cure Your Lizard Dry Hands With Creams That Work

The other day you felt this sharp pain on your hands. Papercut? Not exactly. Your skin is so dry in winter that you almost cut yourself by clapping. This isn’t unusual. With the dry heat in your office, cold winds, and hot showers, your hands take a serious beating in the winter. At the behest of our manicurists, we road-tested some hand creams for your desks, sinks, and bedside tables and here are the ones that came out on top. 

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H20 Plus Hand and Nail Cream ($17) is a lightweight cream that you can apply after washing your hands. This is a year-round option that soothes and nourishes dry hands and cuticles.

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Bath and Body Works Look Ma New Hands (on sale for $6) is perfect for people who have to deal with the elements and drastic changes in temperature. Containing paraffin to help seal in the lotion's moisture, this is a great work tote or handbag staple to protect your hands before you put them back into your gloves.

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Last but not least, Neutrogena Norweigan Formula Hand Cream ($4) is a tried-and-true solution. This is the big time, heavy-duty hand cream for indoor/outdoor care.

And check out our Lip Balm Guide for heavy-duty winter balms that will keep your lips smooth all season. 

If You Go Overboard With This Shimmering Powder, You Can Just Lick It Off

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What: Pure Romance Edible Body Bling ($12.50)

Why: Want to look good enough to eat this Valentine’s Day (or any day for that matter)? This dusting powder gives skin a light shimmer without going totally over the top. It has a light sweet vanilla scent and a decadent vanilla honey taste. That's correct…the powder is edible. Layer on after the bath and add some unexpected spice to your night. Forget the messy chocolate body tattoo, this product is boyfriend-tested and beauty-approved, ladies.

Get Yours: pureromance.com

Fill Your Gym Bag With Stuff That Makes You Look Good After Sweating

Everyone who has already dropped their New Year’s resolution to get to the gym more, raise your hand. Hey, a lot of people have dropped out by now because the hassle of getting re-dressed and re-applying makeup can be a total pain. Well, we want you to reach all your goals this year, so dump out all your toiletries and pack these small, light essentials to get you from the gym to gorgeous in no time flat.

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If your gym doesn’t have shower toiletries, take the Bliss Sinkside Six Pack ($22) into the shower with you. It has face wash, soap, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, and body butter in a package that fits into your hand.

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A mascara eye and bold lip complements the flush in your skin after a workout. This Urban Decay Trifecta Makeup Kit ($22 ) contains eye primer, mascara, and liner to get a perfect post-workout wink.
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Now, if you’re truly in a hurry and don’t have time to even wash your hair (and those of us who have been paged into a meeting during a sweat session know what I mean,) these Ted Gibson Hair Sheets ($17 for 10) are a godsend. Run them over your hair and hit your mane with a cool blast from the dryers provided.

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Keep this light and travel-friendly Sedu Revolution Shortie Mini Styler ($50) at the bottom of your bag. It heats up quickly, works like a dream using tourmaline ionic plates, and best of all, comes with its own heat-resistant carrying case which doubles as a protective surface!

Here’s another trick: keep all of your toiletries in a lingerie bag like the ones you use to wash your delicates. You can hang it in the shower and it drains dry. Just place the wet bag on a towel while you’re getting ready and throw it in your gym bag when you're ready to go. You’ll never have moldy gym things again!

Check out our Guide to Cheap Workout Gear for stuff to wear to the gym that won't break your budget. 

Staycation Idea: Give Yourself A Weleda Facial

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We aren’t going to pretend that working for SheFinds doesn’t have its perks. SheFindsBryn and I recently spent a relaxing day with natural skincare giant Weleda getting gorgeous skin that you can get at home. We can both attest: we were positively glowing for the rest of the day and are dying to pass this onto our beloved readers! Here is a step-by-step of how to give yourself the best facial of your life in the comfort of your own bathroom.

Weleda has three specific lines for different types of skin. I’m writing about the products in the Wild Rose line, which is good for rejuvenating and regenerating skin. If your skin is sensitive, use similar products in the Almond line and if you have combination skin, use the Iris line.

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Step One: Grab yourself some cotton pads and place a little of the Almond Facial Oil ($3) on the pads. Press the pads gently down onto the eye and wipe downward, then take the pads and wipe from the inside of the eye inward to get rid of eye makeup

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Step Two
: Place their Wild Rose Cleansing Lotion ($20) onto two more cotton pads. Starting at the center of your face, move the pads gently in a motion from the middle of the face outward, sweeping upwards around the cheeks and jawline. Repeat until pads are clean.

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Step Three: Slather on a Wild Rose Intensive Facial Masque ($30), soak a towel in warm water with a few drops of their Lavender Relaxing Bath Milk ($20) and steam your gorgeous face with it. Repeat if necessary. Try to stay awake.

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Step Four: Take the Wild Rose Facial Toner ($20) onto two pads and using the same motion as with the Cleansing Lotion. This is a very gentle toner and it won’t sting. We were surprised! Follow the toner with the Wild Rose Eye Cream ($25). Apply to the tips of your ring fingers and gently tap the cream into the area around the eyes. Results are immediate and we’re not kidding.

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Final Step: The final step is to apply a cream. You have your choice: the Wild Rose Moisture Cream ($25) works beautifully under makeup for indoor activities, and the Wild Rose Day Cream  ($25) is a great all-day wear cream that leaves a gorgeous complexion behind.

We were hooked and excited to pass this along to you. Trust us, this is eco-friendly beauty that is worthy of your bathroom countertop.

I Refuse To Give Up My Bliss Lemon + Sage Body Scrub

bliss lemon and sage body scrub skin polish

What: Bliss Lemon + Sage Body Scrub, $36

Why: While the prices of everything seem to be rising and my paycheck seems to cover less and less of my spending habits, there is one thing I won't forgo: silky smooth skin, especially on my legs. 

Dry skin is inevitable in this weather – my hair is static-y, I'm forever applying lotion, and my legs are scaly and flaky. I rely on Bliss Lemon + Sage Body Scrub to get rid of all that dead skin before I shave leaving me with the smoothest legs possible. Now at $36 a pop I realize it's a bit steep for a pre-shave regimen. However, nothing works better than this velvety soft skin polish and I just have to remind myself that it's cheaper in the long run than trying out products I don't trust.

Get Yours: blissworld.com

 

Your Hands Need Attention Too Post-Holiday.. Give Them A 60 Second Fix

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What: Crabtree & Evelyn La Source 60 Second Fix For Hands

Why: The winter holidays sure can do a number on your hands. Everything from wrapping and unwrapping presents to engineering a seven course meal to engaging in an off-the-cuff snowball fight can leave your mitts dry, cracked, and in need of some serious TLC. And while it's great to indulge in some deep-down detox every once in a while, you can't always devote an entire day to post-holiday reinvigoration. That's why Crabtree & Evelyn's 60-Second Fix manicure kit is a veritable detox double whammy: its simple two-step process does the job quickly and effectively so you can start using your refreshed hands again in a minute or less.

Step 1: Give those paws a good scrubbing with LaSource Hand Recovery, a three-in-one cream that cleanses, exfoliates and moisturizes in one fell swoop. Step 2: Slather on intensive LaSource Hand Therapy moisturizer and your hands are as good as new.

Price: $25

Get Yours: beauty.com

Detox Bonus: Snag Crabtree & Evelyn's 60-Second Fix For Feet ($22), and give yourself a mani and a pedi in less than five minutes.

Relax With Deep Steep And Forget Any Bad Decisions You Made In 2008

Deep Steep Lavender Chamomile Bath Tea  

What: Deep Steep’s Lavender-Chamomile Bath Tea ($18)

 

Why: Every girl knows the healing powers of an old-fashioned soak in the tub, especially after a night spent on stilettoed feet. But toss in one of Deep Steep’s bath sachets, and you’ll experience a bath like no other. In fact, you probably won’t want to get out even when the water has cooled. They come in a canister of six, and each tiny sachet delivers an herbal bath infusion with unparalleled results. You can choose from four scents — rosemary-mint, lavender-chamomile, honeydew-spearmint and grapefruit-bergamot — each specially formulated with herbs and essential oils to relax your mind and sea salt to soften your skin. And just to make it even better, they’re made with natural ingredients and no preservatives.

 

Get Yours: shop.com