Skin Care

Hello Aveeno Active Naturals Eczema Care, Goodbye Itchy Skin

March 12th, 2008 by Karen 44 Comments

For me, spring heralds the arrival of allergy season and periodic bouts of hives along with random patches of itchy skin. Yea, spring!

When my allergies are acting up, I try to avoid scented body products because they will often make the situation worse. Thank goodness for Aveeno Active Naturals Eczema Care Body Wash ($9.99 ) and Moisturizing Cream ($9.99), a superstar unscented combo able to clean and moisturize without irritating or drying out my allergy-prone skin.

Aveeno Active Naturals Eczema Care Body Wash and Moisturizing Cream

Use: To cleanse and moisturize the itchy, extra-dry skin associated with eczema
Price: $9.99 apiece
Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A+

Both Eczema Care Body Wash and Moisturizing Cream are fragrance- and steroid-free, making them ideal for people with sensitive skin. Created by dermatologists to provide itch relief to eczema sufferers (you don’t have to suffer from eczema to use it, though), each contains oat essence and ceramides, compounds with soothing properties. These products are so gentle that they’re approved for use on baby skin (but, as with any product, read your labels and consult a physician if in doubt). [Continue reading…]

Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids: Which One Is Right for You?

March 3rd, 2008 by Karen 28 Comments

The list of beauty products containing either (or both) alpha or hydroxy acids (AHAs or BHAs) is longer than Flavor Flav’s quest for true love on reality television. (Sidenote: Seriously, when is it gonna end? I don’t think I could deal with a Flavor of Love 4.) I know I can’t be the only girl who’s stood in the skin care aisle scratching her head, wondering which hydroxy acid-containing product to snag. Their names may sound alike, but these two compounds work in different ways.

So, what’s the big difference between the two? Two words: lipid solubility, aka a substance’s ability to dissolve in oil. AHAs are water soluble, meaning they’re able to dissolve in water. BHAs, on the other hand, are lipid soluble, meaning they’re able to fully dissolve in oil (or fat). This distinction makes BHAs better at penetrating pores, pores chock full of oh-so-delicious oily sebum (ew!).

Do you have oily skin? Frequent blackheads or whiteheads? If so, take a look at products containing BHA. But if breakouts aren’t your big skin problem, and you’re looking for help dealing with sun damage, consider AHAs instead.

Got black heads and white heads? Try BHA products like…

Stridex Triple Action Acne Pads with Salicylic Acid (about $6)

Stridex Essential Care Triple Action Acne Pads with Salicylic Acid, Regular Strength ($4)

Clean & Clear Blackhead Clearing Daily Cleansing Pads ($5.29)

L’Oreal Pure Zone Tightening Astringent ($6.59)

Biore Triple Action Astringent ($7)

Clinique Mild Clarifying Lotion ($11)

DHC Salicylic Acne Toner ($14)

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control 3-in-1 Hydrating Acne Treatment ($7)

Paula’s Choice 2% Beta Hydroxy Acid Gel ($17.95)

DHC Salicylic Face milk ($19)

Got thickened, sun damaged skin without breakouts? Consider AHA products like…

Alpha Hydrox Oil-Free Formula ($10.99)

Gly Derm Lotion Plus with Glycolic Acid ($24)

Aqua Glycolic Toner ($11.69)

Kiss My Face Peaches & Creme Moisturizer with 8% Alpha Hydroxy Acids ($6.44)

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Face Lotion Night ($9.44)

Aveeno Active Naturals Positively Ageless Firming Night Cream ($19.99)

M.D. Forte Facial Lotion I ($45)

Peter Thomas Roth Glycolic Acid 10% Hydrating Gel ($48)

DDF Glycolic 10% Exfoliating Moisturizer ($46)

DDF Glycolic 10% Toning Complex ($32)

N. V. Perricone Advanced Face Firming Activator ($120)

How AHAs work

Both BHAs and AHAs make excellent exfoliants (removing dead skin cells), but AHAs work by reacting with the upper layer of the epidermis, weakening the binding properties of the lipids that hold dead skin cells together. This allows the outer skin to “dissolve,” revealing the underlying skin. Exfoliants jump-start the production of new skin cells, and we like new skin cells. AHAs are also believed to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, roughness and blotchy pigmentation, and may even stimulate the production of collagen and elastin in the skin.

As a general rule of thumb for AHA products, look for ones with alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) listed as the second or third product on the ingredient list. That way, the product is a little more likely to contain the recommended concentration of 5-8 percent AHA and a pH (acidity) of 3-4. To work their magic, AHAs must be absorbed into the skin, so you can probably skip cleansers containing AHAs that will be washed off or rinsed away before this absorption can occur.

There are several different kinds of AHAs, most derived from fruit and milk sugars. Five major types with common natural sources are…

glycolic acid – sugar cane
lactic acid – milk
malic acid – apples and pears
citric acid – oranges and lemons
tartaric acid – grapes

Glycolic acid and lactic acid penetrate skin a little better than the other varieties, so you’ll see these AHAs in products more often than you’ll see the others.

Unfortunately, AHAs have side effects (boo!), with the worst ones being skin irritation and increased sun sensitivity. Darker skinned folks may also experience a higher risk of scarring pigment changes.

Because of this increased sun sensitivity, sunscreen with at least an SPF of 15 is a must when using any AHA-containing products. Don’t be chintzy with the sunscreen, either! Experts suggest applying sunscreen liberally, every day, and using formulas with both UVA and UVB protection (look for avobenzone, titanium dioxide or zinc oxide for UVA protection).

How BHAs work

There’s really only one kind of BHA in widespread skin care use, and it’s salicylic acid. Like AHA, BHA works well as an exfoliant by penetrating deep into pores, sloughing off dead skin cells to make room for new ones. After six months of daily application, BHA is reported to decrease the appearance of wrinkles, roughness and mottled pigmentation caused by sun-damage. Dermatologists often prefer BHAs to AHAs because they’re generally less irritating.

Unlike products containing AHAs, in which you want the AHA to be listed in the top three ingredients, BHA does its best work at lower concentrations, so keep an eye out for products listing BHA (aka salicylic acid) in the middle or toward the bottom of the list of ingredients. BHA in skin care products generally works best at around 1-2 percent concentration, with a pH of 3-4.

Like AHAs, BHAs need to be absorbed into the skin to work their mojo, so skip cleansers with BHA and opt instead for toners, gels and lotions that won’t be washed off right away.

While beta hydroxy acid may be able to reverse some of the damage caused by photoaging (Eek! The sun!), it simultaneously makes skin more susceptible to photoaging. Weird, huh? In some people, this sun sensitivity can increase by as much as 50 percent.

If you’re going to use either type of hydroxy acid, be sure to wear sunscreen, and plenty of it. Don’t be shy about really laying it on, either. And don’t forget to use it on your neck!

For more information on AHAs and BHAs, visit Web MD or About.com.

How was your Monday, my friend? I was super busy at work (hence the late post), but I didn’t mind because it made the time pass. Tonight, I’m going to hip hop class to work it out. My dance teacher has us doing a routine with a lot of B-girl moves, and, um… I’m not as agile as I used to be. Now, I have to mentally prepare myself for any upcoming booty shaking, LOL. Trust me, being a 32-year-old wanna-be breakdancer is no easy task.

I hope your week is off to a faboolicious start!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Get Sandal-Ready Feet with Philosophy Soul Owner Foot Cream

February 28th, 2008 by Karen 26 Comments

The sun’s shining in my ‘hood, so a few days ago I dug through my closet, aka the 10th circle of hell, to find my favorite spring sandals. I found them but ended up wearing Adidas Shell Toe sneakers to work instead, because, when I took my socks off and examined my feet closely, they looked pretty gross — flaky heels, dry toes, gnarly cuticles. Ewww! Even though I’ve been good about moisturizing those bad boys at night, my feet still looked rougher than Bobby Brown’s mug shot.

To get them sandal-ready, first I made a weekend appointment for an overdue pedicure. Next, I busted out a tube of Philosophy Soul Owner exfoliating foot cream ($14 for a 3.3 oz tube) to do some interim damage control.

An exfoliating foot treatment with alpha and beta hydroxy acids, Soul Owner reduces dry, flaky skin and exfoliates callouses. Eucalyptus oil, which works as an emollient and skin refresher, gives the cream a fresh, masculine herbal scent. No flowers or fruit here.

The thick, non-greasy formula felt like a body cream, so it took me a few minutes to work it into the skin. The coolest thing (literally) about this cream is the subtle cooling sensation it produced when I massaged it into my heels, soles and toes. It didn’t sting; in fact, it felt just cold enough to be kind of relaxing.

For the past few nights I’ve applied Soul Owner before bed, and now my feet look smoother and feel softer, especially around the heels. They’re looking pretty darn cute, if I do say so myself!

However, there is a price to pay (isn’t there always?) for all this foot cuteness. One caveat to using this product is that while glyolic and salicylic acids are fantastic ingredients for softening and exfoliating, they also increase your skin’s sun sensitivity. While your feet get soft and sexified for spring’s skin-baring footwear, unfortunately they also become more susceptible to sunburn. Oh, the irony. If you’re going to use Soul Owner, Philosophy suggests applying sunscreen to your feet and limiting sun exposure.

Soul Owner is great for getting scraggly winter feet ready for spring, but even though I love Soul Owner’s exfoliating and softening powers, when the weather heats up and my feet see a lot of sun, I probably won’t be using it on a daily basis because of the increased sun sensitivity thing.

I’m really looking forward to liberating my feet from the confines of thick, winter socks and oppressive closed-toe shoes. During the spring and summer I live in flip-flops and sandals, so my toes are free to wiggle, stretch and pinch (yes, you read that correctly. I can pinch with my toes) to their heart’s content. Are you itching for sandal weather, too?

Purchase Soul Owner exfoliating foot cream online on the Philosophy Web site, or at your nearby Nordstrom or Macy’s Philosophy counter.

Tonight I’m hitting the club with two of my friends, NBLACK and C-Lo. I haven’t gone dancing with them in a long time, so I’m looking forward to burning some calories and shaking my booty! Any fun plans for tonight?

Because we’ve made it to Thursday, which is that much closer to Friday, here’s a treat for you.

Video courtesy of Four Four.

Bonus points if your freaky-deaky self can name the title of the song and the artist!

Have a good one and smile today!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Jurlique Versus La Mer: A Cleansing Lotion Smackdown

February 25th, 2008 by Karen 26 Comments

Yes, the skin on my face is drier than well-delivered sarcasm, so I can’t live without my cleansing lotions.

Cleansing lotions typically have a rich, thick consistency, making them better for dry skinned ladies (and gents) than astringent cleansers. Look for moisturizing cleansing lotions that won’t produce a sudsy foam as they’re used because foaming gel or liquid cleansers are notorious for drawing moisture away from the skin. And if you’re struggling with dry skin on your face, consider removing whichever cleansing lotion you use with a tissue, instead of rinsing it off with water, leaving the lotion’s moisturizer where it can do you some good.

I pitted two popular brands of cleansing lotions head-to-head — La Mer’s The Cleansing Lotion and Jurlique’s Replenishing Cleansing Lotion — and the victor earned a spot alongside my previous cleansing lotion champion, Philosophy’s Purity Made Simple.

Two cleansing lotions, one dry face. Which one prevailed in the cleansing lotion smackdown?

First in the ring was Jurlique’s Replenishing Cleansing Lotion ($40 for 6.7 fl oz bottle). It contains marshmallow, viola, rose and lavender essential oils to, as the product packaging says, gently smooth, moisturize and cleanse the skin.

What did my testing reveal?

The Jurlique cleanser felt thick and rich like a body lotion, which to me means moisturizing, and it had a sweet herbal scent that I neither loved nor hated. In the plus column, the bottle has a pump, making it easy to dispense the lotion with one hand.

The amount of product from a single pump of Jurlique thoroughly removed most of the makeup on my face (even most of my eye makeup) and left my face and neck feeling clean and moisturized. So far it hasn’t broken me out, knock on wood. I really dig the fact that half of the ingredients are plant extracts with long scientific names (Althaea officianalis, Symphytum officinale, Stellaria media…), and Jurlique uses plants grown on their own biodynamic farms in Australia, which I thought was kinda cool.

Biodynamic farming was made popular in the mid-1920s by philosopher Rudolf Steiner, who sought to develop a method of farming that would preserve a natural balance of nutrients in soil by growing mutually beneficial companion crops near one another. Jurlique began their biodynamic farms 20 years ago, and now their line of products for face, hair and body contain plants products harvested from two farms spanning over 150 acres at Ngeringa and Mylor in the Adelaide Hills of South Australia. Today they grow 50 different varieties of plants and flowers, including lavendar, rose, marshmallow, elder and calendula. The farms are both organic and sustainable, so kudos to Jurlique for being environmentally conscientious too.

La Mer’s The Cleansing Lotion ($65 for a 6.7 fl oz jar, holy crap!), the second contender in the cleansing lotion smackdown, derives most of its most precious ingredients from the sea.

La Mer’s cleansing lotion contains sea kelp, among other ingredients, and gets a lot of hype because of the popularity of the La Mer brand. A host of celebrities proclaim their love for La Mer’s products, most notably Creme de la Mer, the line’s famous face cream. Even El Hub knew about the brand (“Isn’t that what J. Lo uses?” LOLOL!), but I suspect that’s because I subject him to cheesy celebrity lifestyle shows on VH1, ha! I recently received a wee sample of The Cleansing Lotion and couldn’t wait to try it out.

Both of these brands love the scientific sounding ingredients. La Mer’s Cleansing Lotion contains several, like magnetized tourmaline and positively charged waters, which supposedly enable the cleanser to extract dirt, debris, makeup and pollutants without requiring a lot of harsh rubbing.

Although La Mer’s cleansing lotion smelled better (flowers and licorice) than Jurlique’s cleansing lotion (herbs and sugar), the formula felt thinner and wasn’t as rich as Jurlique. When I used it before bed, it didn’t remove as much of my face and eye makeup as Jurlique’s cleanser did, and I had to use substantially more than a dime-sized amount to feel clean. After rinsing off and drying my face, it felt a little tight and dry, ouch.

While I definitely preferred La Mer’s scent, for me it wasn’t enough to justify the $65 price tag. If you’re already a La Mer fan, have oily skin, but don’t wear a lot of makeup, you may feel otherwise.

That said…

The winner, by technical knockout (TKO): Jurlique’s Replenishing Cleansing Lotion!

I liked Jurlique’s Replenishing Cleansing Lotion so much that it’s now going into heavy rotation beside Philosophy’s Purity Made Simple, now my second favorite cleansing lotion. It’s a great option for dry-skinned gals into plant-based, organic skin care. I can’t wait to test more products from the line! I hope they perform just as well as this one does.

Purchase Jurlique products online or in person at Blue Mercury stores nationwide.

I hope your week is off to a good start. Happy Monday!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Gimme, Gimme Moisture: Peter Thomas Roth Mega Rich Moisture Masque

February 16th, 2008 by Karen 18 Comments

An oasis of opulence and glam, Las Vegas sits in the middle of the Southwestern American desert, and the dry air here zaps what little moisture exists in my already parched skin, leaving it feeling tight and uncomfortable. Before braving the casinos this morning (momma’s gotta win big to fund her Sephora run!), I remedied the situation with facial moisturizing TLC, courtesy of Peter Thomas Roth’s Mega Rich Intensive Anti-Aging Cellular Masque.

Product: Peter Thomas Roth Mega Rich Intensive Anti-Aging Cellular Moisture Masque
Use: A moisturizing masque to hydrate normal, dry or sensitive skin
Price: $60
Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: B+

Unlike clay masks with thick, heavy consistencies, PTR’s moisturizing mask feels light. The consistency upon application reminds me of Lubriderm body lotion but feels even lighter and less sticky than that. A product’s scent helps determine whether or not I would use it regularly, and PTR’s light, slightly medicinal scent smells nice and fades quickly.

I slathered a layer upon my face, neck and decollete and left it on for 10 minutes. The mask dried but didn’t flake off like most clay masks will. The formula actually seemed to soak into my skin. After rinsing it off and looking at myself in the mirror, my skin looked and felt smoother and less irritated.

What’s in this magical, moisturizing brew? Let’s see… in addition to edible-sounding (although the product is not approved for consumption) ingredients like sweet almond oil, aloe vera and pomegranate, PTR contains a laundry list of scientific-ish anti-aging compounds like Firma-Cell-4, Syn-Coll and Argire-Line, which, according to the product packaging, work together to combat fine lines and deep wrinkles. I have to be up front — I find it really hard to quantify how effective anti-aging products are because I’m 32 and don’t have a lot of wrinkles (yet, ha!). Looking in the mirror, I tried to see a difference in my fine lines but couldn’t really detect a change, so I’m not sold on the anti-aging aspect. To be fair, my results could be different after a more extended bout of testing.

But the mask is still incredibly moisturizing, making it a fantastic addition to any dry skinned gal’s (or guy’s) skin routine. I could really feel the difference out here in the dry desert air.

Today, I’ve got a few fun things lined up. First up, breakfast at our hotel, the Golden Nugget.

At some point today, I plan to win a jackpot while playing the slot machines (gotta think positive!). Then, I’ll head to the strip to visit Sephora and the cosmetics section of Barney’s New York department store. I hope to find a bunch of brands I can’t get back in the Bay. I suspect El Hub will drag me out of makeup nirvana and force me to eat lunch at a buffet, sigh. Viva Las Vegas!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Kiehl’s Spiced Plum Lotion Is Good Enough to Eat

February 6th, 2008 by Karen 34 Comments

Food-scented lotions don’t always do a lot for my soul. When I slapped a layer of Kiehl’s Spiced Plum Hand and Body Lotion ($19.50) on my arms the other day, I didn’t expect it to make me want to gnaw them off an half hour later. But that it did.

This lightweight, limited-edition (non-edible) lotion smells like a mix of brown sugar, cinnamon and homemade plum tart. The scent isn’t overly sweet, which is totally key for me. Some foody lotions, like those that smell doughy, can make me nauseous, and I think vanilla scent is used far too often. I don’t like to cruise around smelling like a Rice Krispy treat, ya know? Spiced Plum’s subtle notes blend with its sweeter tones, creating a perfect balance between naughty and nice. Yummy!

If you’re used to Elizabeth Arden 8-Hour Cream’s moisturizing power, this might not be moisturizing enough for you. On my extra-scaly parts (legs and arms), it works reasonably well — a not as great as 8-Hour but better than Vaseline Intensive Care. I like that it isn’t greasy and doesn’t take a lot of effort to work into my skin; that’s very appealing to my slap-it-on-and-get-ready-to-boogie side.

I wore Spiced Plum while writing this entry, by the way, and because of the smell had to refrain from nibbling on my arm, yo!

How ’bout you? Do you like to smell like food (hey, at least it’s calorie-free!)? Or do you prefer your baked goods on a plate?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Bay Area Beauty Tip: Free Clarins Facials at Nordstrom

February 5th, 2008 by Karen 13 Comments

For folks living in or visiting the San Francisco Bay Area, did you know that Clarins, a French skin care line, offers complementary facials at Nordstrom stores?

Since the 50s, French brand Clarins was one of the first lines to forgo using animal ingredients in their products. Their entire line is now 100 percent plant-derived.

I’m new to the line, so the free 40-minute facial held at the Nordstrom Spa in the San Francisco Centre was a great (and relaxing) way to learn about their products.

Yes, girl, the San Francisco Nordstrom has a spa with the usual spa treatment menu of facials, massages and body treatments costing upwards of $80, depending on the service.

But because Clarins’ complimentary facials are held in their spa rooms, they’re kinda like experiencing the spa without having to pay the big bucks. Here’s where my facial took place:

Um, the treatment bed wasn’t messy when I walked in. I actually laid down on it for a short nap before taking this picture (hey, I exercised early and was tired!). The room was a little noisy due to store traffic outside the door, which was only partially drowned out by tunes from the Top 40 radio station piped through overhead speakers. If you’re used to going to spas where they play soft, soothing sounds of chirping crickets or, God forbid, Enya, then you may not like this. But let me remind you again — this facial is gratis.

Despite the background noise, the facial and overall experience was great. Sharon Trajico, a specially trained Clarins facialist, first asked me a ton of questions about my skin and my skin care routine. Based on my answers, she selected a few choice Clarins products to cleanse, treat and protect my skin. I liked that the products weren’t heavily scented; most smelled very light, clean and plant-esque.

Over the course of the treatment Sharon carefully described the products she was using along with each product’s intended use. Clarins facialists apply product with their hands, warming each between their palms first before application, and then lightly massaging and pressing the product into the face and neck. It’s a combo massage-beauty treatment — incredibly relaxing.

Like specialists at European-style day spas, Shannon cleansed and toned my skin, applied a face mask, then finished with a series of anti-aging and skin protection serums and lotions. They skipped the facial steaming (which typically happens before or after the mask) and black head extraction (hate those, ouch!), which was fine with me.

At the end of the facial my skin felt smooth, looked brighter and the red splotches I’d had at the start of the treatment were gone. I loved the scents and textures of Clarins’ face products and can’t wait to try more of the line, which includes body care and makeup.

Clarins complimentary Nordstrom facials are offered once a month. Call your nearby Nordstrom and ask to speak with someone at the Clarins counter. They’ll provide you with dates and schedule a time for you to come in!

San Francisco readers can call…

Nordstrom at San Francisco Centre (near Union Square): (415) 243-8500
Nordstrom at Stonestown Galleria: (415) 753-1344

And if you’re in Marin…

Nordstrom at The Village at Corte Madera: (415) 927-1690

For numbers to other Bay Area Nordstrom stores, perform a search here.

Take note — not all Nordstrom stores have spa rooms like the ones in S.F. do At some of store counters, your facials will be done on the sales floor, but they’ll shield you behind a screen to grant you some privacy.

By the way, in the beauty world, “free” and “complimentary” services are often code for “you should purchase at least one product before you head out,” but I’m sure you won’t be disappointed by the Clarins line. Later today I plan to swing by my local Nordstrom to grab a few of the goodies Sharon introduced me to!

I hope your day has been going well so far! Whatcha up to on this lovely Tuesday?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Paint it Pink, Paint it Black: Prepping for Valentine’s Date Night

January 29th, 2008 by Karen 48 Comments

Ah, the pre-date ritual… It’s one of the many perks of being in love on Valentine’s Day, and whether you’re on the low- or high-maintenance end of the beauty spectrum, the drill usually goes a lil’ something like this:

Crank up the music (a soundtrack helps when you’re getting sexified, yo)
Wash
Contemplate wearing your naughty or nice knickers
Do your makeup and hair
Pick your wardrobe (don’t forget the shoes!)

In a perfect world, I’d always have at least four leisurely hours to beautify myself for my Valentine’s date with El Hub, but with work and life the odds of having a solid block of four hours for anything are slim to none.

Still, a girl can dream, and if I had a world of time to prep for date night, this is how it would go:

Paint it Pink, Vol. 2…

Clinique Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss in Grapefruit ($13.50). First priority: getting the lips primed for a mega-makeout session. I’d definitely prepare early in the day to get my pucker in makeout-ready shape with a layer of Clinique’s Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss. It’s a pretty, light pink shade with lots of shine. Plus, it moisturizes the beejebus out of my dry lips and gets them soft and ready for lovin’.

Essie nail polish in Hard to Get ($8). This creamy pink polish is my favorite color from Essie’s spring line. It’s bubble-gum without being too Barbie — perfect for both finger and toes. Of course, in my fantasy I’m getting my nails done in a chair at San Francisco’s Bliss Spa. See, at Bliss they feed you brownies while you’re pampered. Yup.

Philosophy Amazing Grace Perfumed Shampoo, Bath & Shower Gel ($22). Nothing is better than a long, indulgent bubble bath before (or during) a romantic date. With its light, floral scent, Amazing Grace Bath & Shower Gel relaxes me like no other and really gets me into a romantic state of mind. Bubble production is off the chart, and the suds have staying power, too. It leaves my skin feeling silky and soft, every time.

Borghese Fango Brillants Brightening Mud ($59.60). I like to wear a face mask when I do the bubble thing to turn the relaxometer up another notch and make my face extra glowy. Lately I’ve been digging Fango’s Brilliants Brightening Mud. Made from Italian mud (or so they say) and rich in Vitamin A, minerals and citrus peel, this seriously pink mask o’ mud removes dead skin cells, and gently smooths and refines skin. Note: the jar is absolutely ginormous!

I apply a thick layer to a clean face, wait ten minutes for it to dry and then wash it off. You can also use it on your body, too. Imagine covering yourself in bright pink mud, ha!

Victoria’s Secret Beauty Ooh la la Shimmering Fragrance Mist ($22). My fave sexy scent is Chanel Mademoiselle, but I realize that floral oriental perfumes aren’t for everyone.

For ladies who love lighter scents, one delicious option is Ooh la la Shimmering Fragrance Mist. It’s a very feminine mix of cherry blossom, vanilla and mandarin. If you like Victoria’s Secret Heavenly perfume, then I think you’ll dig this, too.

While the product looks like disco inferno trapped in a bottle, it isn’t overly glittery on skin. I would definitely apply it before dressing, though, and not after (learn from my mistake!), to avoid the all-too-frequent glitter mishap.

Hillary Duff Wrapped with Love ($38). Every time I look at this bottle I think of Hillary Duff’s song, Come Clean (also the Laguna Beach theme song). “Let the rain fall down, and wake my dreams…” LOLOL. Anyway, I’ll fess up to being a Laguna Beach fan (Seasons 1 and 2, holla), but I am certainly NOT a Hillary Duff fan. That said, I gotta give the girl and her marketing people props for this fruity-floral perfume, and it’s even guy friendly. According to an informal poll of a handful of random guy friends, it was liked by 4 out of 5 of them.

Wrapped with Love is Hillary’s second fragrance; it’s a playful, lighter, version of With Love, her first perfume. It’s not as spicy or heavy as its older sibling, with notes of honeydew, blood orange, and raspberry mixed in with white florals and musk.

At first I was afraid… I was petrified (sing it, Gloria Gaynor!) it would smell too pre-teen, but the scent is surprisingly sophisticated, fun and sexy — definitely not as heavy as my fave, Coco Mademoiselle. If you prefer lighter, fruit-themed fragrances, you might want to check it out.

This morning I’ve been listening non-stop to this wonderful tune by Sara Bareilles called Love Song. Have you heard it? It’s one of those songs where I wish I wrote the lyrics — a wish usually reserved only for certain Beatles masterpieces like Blackbird and Here Comes the Sun.

Anyway, I’m glad we got through Monday together. To reward myself I’m going to drink another cup of coffee (WHEEE!) and peruse some shoes on Zappos.com. I really should get some practical work shoes that keep my feet warm and dry, but the siren call of impractical (but sexy) strappy high heels cannot be ignored.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen