Skin Care

Before sniffing H2O+’s new Sweet Berry shower gel and body balm, I would have thought it absurd that a candy company would ever collaborate on a bath/beauty product. Now, I’m not so sure.

Since I know that LifeSavers didn’t partner with H2O+ this year, there must be another explanation for why H2O+’s new Sweet Berry Moisturizing Body Balm ($11.50) and Shower & Bath Gel ($9) smell so much like LifeSavers Gummies, incidentally one of my favorite candies in the world.

Maybe there was an accident one day in the H2O+ labs… What if a technician who was working on the new products had an open bag of gummies in his shirt pocket? If he had leaned forward a little too far and let one plop down into his beaker, that could explain the remarkably similar scents.

Yeah, probably not. But still — it would be kinda cool if that’s how it happened. 🙂

When it comes to bath and body products, I usually prefer citrus and floral scents, so I was surprised to like H2O+’s new Sweet Berry Moisturizing Body Balm and Shower & Bath Gel so much.

While sweet, they don’t overwhelm my sensitive nose. I find them light and fresh, and not anywhere near as cloying as the berry-themed body products I’ve tried from Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works.

Of course, scent is a matter of personal preference, but that’s the beauty of beauty products like these. We can sniff sample them before choosing to bring them home.

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I know it’s allergy season because my mirror told me, and it told me even before my sinuses found out. One morning about a week ago I looked in the mirror and saw two big, fluffy pillows under my eyes that said, “Congratulations, Karen! You’re a hot mess.”

When allergies cause my eyes to water, itch and swell up, I usually turn to a few different de-puffing tricks, like cold compresses, chilled tea bags and spoons, but I also try to keep my eyes open (as much as possible, haha!) to new things.

While not a new product, First Aid Beauty Detox Eye Roller Intense Therapy ($24) is new to me. It’s a moisturizing liquid roller ball similar to my beloved Clinique All About Eyes Serum ($26). Like Clinique’s serum, it contains caffeine (which, applied topically, might constrict blood vessels) and antioxidants to (allegedly) reduce the appearance of dark circles, puffiness and fine lines.

Unfortunately, there’s another thing they have in common: they’re expensive.

Both products also create a cooling sensation on the skin, like a refreshing splash of water. I think Clinique’s version wins in the hydration department, but Detox works faster and also contains illuminating mica, which, if nothing else, illuminates the under eye-area with some brightening shimmer, making it at least appear brighter. Every little bit helps, especially when allergies and insomnia double team my eyes.

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The luxurious skin care products that comprise the pricey June Jacobs Spa Collection practically scream, “I’m from a fancy, high-end spa, and y’all better recognize! (pronounced reco-nize)”

Based out of New York, the indie line sells a wide range of popular spa products for face, body and hair containing nifty plant extracts and compounds like lycium barbarum (goji berry), viola odorata (sweet violet) and matricaria chamomilla (chamomile). The ingredients vary widely per product, so you might want to check the website or labels if there’s anything you’re trying to avoid. All of the products are free of parabens, petrochemicals, sulfates and (in most cases) synthetic fragrances and dyes.

Everything about the line fits with the pricey program, from the packaging to the textures to the scents and, of course, the prices too, which range from about $22 for a moisturizing hand wash to $140 for an age-defying serum. They’re sure to spruce up any room, even a dirty bathroom…

Yes, a dirty bathroom. For an all-too-brief moment, three June Jacobs products allowed me to pretend that my dirty @ss reading room (please don’t judge! I haven’t done much cleaning in weeks) was an oasis of serenity. Forget Calgon — June Jacobs took me away!

3 Products from the June Jacobs Spa Collection

Creamy Cranberry Cleanser — The name says it all. This rich, creamy cleanser has a light cranberry scent, and it leaves a light veil of moisture on my skin after it’s removed (I either wash it off or use a tissue). It doesn’t remove makeup very well, so you may want to remove any first before using. $44 for a 6.7-oz. bottle.

Intensive Age Defying Hydrating Masque — Holy paycheck this is pricey! This unscented, richly hydrating mask feels more like a (nice) thick balm to me. I slather it on after washing my face (concentrating on the dry patches on my nose and cheeks) and sometimes even leave it on overnight. Come morning, my skin feels and looks softer than a baby’s bum. I think it also works great on dry elbows and heels. $80 for a 3.4-oz jar.

Vanda Orchid Mist — The rosemary and geranium scent of this hydrating toner teleports me to the waiting room of a luxury spa. It’s only so-so as far as hydration, but I absolutely LOVE the scent. $48 for a 7.6 oz. bottle.

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