Beauty

Product Review: Get Happy Feet with the Emjoi Micro-Pedi

March 2, 2015

I don’t know about you, but this winter is wreaking havoc on my skin—from head to toe!

My face is certainly feeling the wrath of Old Man Winter, but my feet seem to be catching the most heat, er, brunt of it. Thank goodness for the Emjoi MicroPedi!

Emjoi Micro-Pedi available at CVS, $29.99

This pampering little gadget has been a lifesaver for my soles. It scrapes off the toughest calluses effortlessly. The battery-operated rotating roller gently nicks away dry skin that’s hardened and thickened due to the lack of moisture. Remember, winter tends to strip our skin of its natural oils that keep it supple and soft. That’s why it’s important to keep skin adequately hydrated with moisturizing lotions and creams during cold-weather months. But, let’s get back to the MicroPedi…

While it might be tempting to firmly press it against stubborn calluses, don’t try it. The device is smartly designed to slough away dead skin easily without having to put forth much effort. If you press too firmly, it could potentially damage your skin or cause the device to malfunction.

I’ve been using it right after I get out the shower when my skin is supple. But, I make sure that my feet are thoroughly dried before using the MicroPedi, as the directions suggest. After a few rolls back and forth, my feet are left feeling smooth and super soft. I wish there was a compartment to catch the dead skin for easy disposal, but a thorough rinse cleans it off too. Plus, it also comes with two rollers for added use.

So, if you are looking to give your feet some much needed TLC, stop by your local CVS and pick one up. Trust me, your feet will thank you!

What do you use to get rid of ugly calluses during the winter?

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Oscar Hair: Get Lupita Nyong’o’s Look in 5 Simple Steps

February 23, 2015

Lupita Nyong’o looked absolutely lovely at last night’s Oscars.

The Academy-award winning actress stunned in an eye-catching pearl-embroidered cream Calvin Klein gown that flattered her figure and complemented her beautiful complexion. While her dress was nothing short of show-stopping, it was her natural hair that really pulled her ensemble together.

Celebrity hairstylist Larry Sims created the star’s winning coif. Instead of giving her an out-of-the box look, he opted for a more traditional style. “We went for a classic, more rounded look that played off the pearls and texture of her dress, avoiding asymmetric, angular lines and edges,” he said.

If you’re a fellow naturalista rocking a tight crop and want to copy Lupita’s sophisticated look, Sims shares how he achieved the style with the help of Smooth ‘N Shine products in a few simple steps.

Check them out below:
1. Dampen hair with a warm towel to soften the texture
2. Apply Smooth ‘N Shine Smooth Olive & Tea Tree RevivOil Wrap & Set Mousse paired with Smooth ‘N Shine Argan Power 10 Styling Gel to create tiny ringlets with a small rattail comb throughout the whole head, starting at the nape of neck and moving to the front
3. Attached hooded dryer for 30 minutes or until hair is dry
4. Once completely dry, take a large tooth bone comb and lift the ringlets to break up the texture for added volume
5. Liberally spray Smooth ‘N Shine Instant Repair Spray-On Polisher for added shine and smooth out any fly-aways and frizzies

What did you think of Lupita’s look?

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Twitter Contest: CVS Wants to Know Your #BeautySecret

February 16, 2015

It’s no secret that we all have a few beauty secrets that we swear by. Throughout the month of February, CVS Beauty Club wants to know what’s your hush-hush trick to looking lovely?

Being raised in a house with my mom and two older sisters, I learned quite a few beauty hacks that I’ve since adopted. But, I actually discovered my all-time favorite tip on my own. Before I had kids, I traveled A LOT. I was in and out of airports quite frequently. That said, one day in the airport bathroom I looked in the mirror and my face looked like an oil slick! I didn’t have any blotting papers so I opted for the next best thing—toilet seat covers!

Yep, it may sound a bit gross, but trust me they work like a charm. Just be sure to grab a few from the back to ensure cleanliness. They’re thin and super absorbent! Plus, just like real blotting papers they remove excess oil without ruining your makeup.

So when I’m out and about and need to de-shine, these are my go-to! You can even purchase them at office supply stores for a much better value than official makeup blotting papers.

One other tip that I do is that I always use a liquid liner like Maybelline’s Eye Studio for my upper lids for a perfect cat eye, but for my bottom lids I use colored eyeliners like a deep plum or a dark forest green for an unexpected pop that looks almost black, but wit.

Share your beauty secret tips, pearls or wisdom or favorite low-key product that keeps you looking picture-perfect with CVS and you could win a $50 CVS/pharmacy gift card! Simply tweet your #BeautySecret (use the hashtag: #beautysecret) to @CVSBeautyClub and you could be a lucky winner!

Do you have any favorite beauty tips/tricks/advice?

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Get Eczema Relief with Aveeno Eczema Therapy Moisturizing Cream

February 2, 2015

Being a beauty editor and blogger for nearly a decade, I’ve tried countless moisturizing creams and various lotions, but Aveeno continues to be the overall best for me and my family.

Since my son and I both suffer from eczema, Aveeno has been my go-to for soothing our problematic skin. I’ve been using Aveeno Active Naturals Eczema Therapy Moisturizing Lotion on me and the baby formulated version on him for a little over a year. Both of the colloidal oatmeal-based moisturizers hydrates while calming our dry, itchy and irritated skin.

Not only does it soothe, it also prevents the recurrence of dry skin by acting as a protectant and barrier. Now that we’re well into winter, I’ve been slathering it on even more since this time of year is when our eczema flare ups are more frequent.

Aveeno Eczema Therapy Moisturizing Cream available here, starting at $9.99

Like most moms, I am very particular and careful when it comes to what products I use on my children. But I feel confident using Aveeno Baby Eczema Therapy Moisturizing on my son because it isn’t made with harsh chemicals or packed with ingredients that I can barely pronounce. Plus, it’s completely steroid and fragrance free, which of course scores points in my book.

Don’t just go on my word, this cream is clinically proven to reduce the flaking, itching and irritation associated with eczema. If you suffer from the skin condition, definitely give Aveeno’s entire eczema line a try. Trust me, your skin will thank you.

Do you suffer from eczema? What do you use to help treat it?

Category: Beauty, Health | 2 Comments

Viola Davis & Uzo Aduba Win Top Honors at SAG Awards

January 26, 2015

Last night’s 21st Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards in Hollywood turned out to be an electrifying evening for some of our favorite BGS.

Viola Davis took home an award for outstanding performance by a female actress in a drama series for her role on the ABC hit, “How To Get Away With Murder,” while “Orange Is the New Black” star, Uzo Aduba, won for outstanding performance by a female actress in a comedy series.

Both ladies looked beautiful and gave heartfelt acceptance speeches. Check out Viola’s below:

Not only did BGs win top honors, we also stunned on the red carpet. Oscar winner and Lancome ambassador, Lupita Nyong’o, 31, looked nothing short of stunning in her striped, floral Ellie Saab gown. Paula Patton also made a lovely appearance in a gorgeous beaded Aiisha Ramadan dress.

Photo by Getty/TNT

Photo by Getty/TNT

From the SAG wins to the red carpet wins, it was an overall win-win for us BGs! Click here for the complete list of winners.

Do you watch “How To Get Away With Murder” or “Orange Is the New Black?”

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GIVEAWAY: Take the Nivea Creme “Get More for a Dollar” Challenge

December 22, 2014

Now that Old Man Winter has officially arrived, it’s more important than ever to keep skin moisturized.

Nivea Creme is a compact and convenient way to keep hands hydrated on-the-go. Packed with jojoba oil, vitamin E, and eurcerit— a unique moisturizing ingredient that keeps skin supple and soft. Not only is the tin small enough to toss in your handbag, but it’s also VERY affordable. At only $1, this sensible must-have is a steal! That’s why I was excited to take their “Get More for a Dollar” challenge.

Nivea Creme is available at drugstores nationwide for $1

Admittedly, I wasn’t sure if it would stand up to some of my other favorite brands, but I was impressed with the results. I’ve been using it on my cuticles and couldn’t believe how much it has helped make my nail beds look moisturized and manicure-ready. My husband has been obsessed with it because it isn’t as fragrant as some of my other lotions and the circular tin design makes it easy to apply. Since he rides his bike to and from work, he was shocked at how hydrated his hands have remained after using it despite the harsh elements.

Overall, we have been pleased with the results and the price can’t be beat.

If you’re still looking to stuff a few stockings for the holidays , stop by your local drugstore and pick up a few of these tins for a win!

**Would you like to take the Nivea Creme “Get More for a Dollar?” If so, simply leave a comment on how you protect your skin during the winter months and a lucky reader will win a Nivea Gift Basket! The winner will be randomly selected and notified via email on January 5th.

Category: Beauty, Health, Travel & Lifestyle | 3 Comments

Raw Coconut Oil: The Only Moisturizer You’ll Ever Need

December 3, 2014

I can’t believe it’s taken me so long to embrace the whole natural coconut craze.

My fellow naturalistas and bloggers have been buzzing about it for a while, but now I’m finally boarding the bandwagon—better late than never!

For the past week, I’ve been using Vita Coco Coconut Oil on my super dry, brittle hair and haven’t been this pleased with a product since…I can’t even remember! This 100% raw, pure organic, cold press coconut oil has been a savior to my moisture-starved hair. It coats my kinks and curls without making them feel overly greasy or sticky. Plus, it doesn’t seem to create that nasty build-up that other moisturizers produce.

Vita Coco Coconut Oil available here, $9.99

And if you’re wondering about the smell, you guessed it—it smells downright heavenly. The scent is so tantalizing that my 4-year-old daughter asked if she could taste some. To her complete and utter shock, I said, “yes,” because the chunky wonder oil can be used for cooking or as a dietary supplement. While she wasn’t exactly anxious to eat more than a smidgen, it was quite refreshing to use something on our hair that’s actually edible. Also, as if this oil couldn’t get any better, it even soothes my eczema and winter-ridden skin! There are plenty of products and lotions that I like, but can’t use frequently due to my sensitive skin.

If you’re looking for a rich, multi-purpose oil this is IT!

Are you a fan of coconut oil? What’s your swear-by moisturizer?

Category: Beauty, Featured, Features, Hair | 1 Comment