Taking One for the Team!

This week I received little package I purchased on Ebay.

The price was spectacularly low for the 30% glycolic acid and there were those oh so tempting added items like the "egg white" facial and the "Free 10 Amazing Healing Serums (60.00 Value). Of course, the first thing I did was unpack the items when they arrived. One brown bottle with a label "30% Glycolic Acid" that looked about standard, but things started going south when I saw the "Amazing Healing Serums".

Ladies, how much would 10 capsules of vitamin E cost?

I left my feedback on Ebay, simply stating that the item did not bear the appearance of what I saw on the seller's page, nothing more, then wrote the seller to ask what was in the capsules. What was this "Amazing Healing Serum"?

I then looked at the instructions for the glycolic acid peel. Ladies, would you put an acid on your face and then not take steps to neutralize it? Well, there was no mention of that step in the directions. In fact, "After the appropriate wait time, rinse with cold water and gently pat the skin" is followed with, "Apply appropriate moisturizer". This sort of omission might be harmless for the experiences user. Most of us have baking soda or neutralizers left over from other home peels. What about the the new user?

Well the seller contacted me, harped on the bad feedback, I guess she didn't appreciate the restraint I showed with the one comment I left, but never explained what was in those capsules of "Amazing Healing Serum". They were in a plastic sample bag with directions on usage, but nothing explains what the serum actually is, and I a sitting here looking at it while I type! Should the FDA be contacted and informed of a violation? Naw, I am not so heartless. Something like that would make it impossible for careful and concerned small skin care and cosmetics businesses to keep filling this wonderful niche, and that is not my goal at all.

The seller had a perfect chance to explain the capsules and the reason there were no instructions about neutralizing the glycolic acid, and I told her I would be writing about this in my next article. She accused me of blackmail...oh well. When a few others - and there really aren't that many at all, have left negative feedback, she accused them of not following the directions. I know that my direction were incomplete, so the likelihood that others are is pretty high.

Ladies...and Gents....be careful when you find a really good price on any item. Too often, sellers want to take money for less than stellar products and customer service. I have a feeling that the seller I purchased from is selling on borrowed time.

Contact me if you would like to know more.

Sprained but Smiling...want to know why?

Hello everyone!

The Latest ......

I thought I would start out with some of the fun we've been having with mineral make up, or what I like to call "color play".



Just when I am enjoying myself, I sprain my wrist at the base of my right thumb. Yes, yes it is a cruel world but I will never let something like this stop my indulging my little hobbies. I can use a make up brush with my remaining fingers, just watch!

We've been playing with some wonderful mineral veils lately. I had some of my cohorts try the shades that are too light for my Afro-American / Native American "light chocolate with cherry" skin and the smiles have been heartfelt. The veils give a finished look to well cared for skin bearing the all natural mineral foundations and blushes we all love to use. I haven't tried one of the "preloaded" brushes ... those that you fill with loose powder, but I bet they are pretty handy in their own right.



Special Needs.....

I haven't forgotten my vow to do more home-spa activities for myself. Sometimes I get into a rut with a deep skin care regimen and need to shake things up a bit. I am still truly impressed with the home peels I have found but we all know it takes a while to try every option that might float by. I also found lovely gadgets to use between deep skin care sessions.

Using physical exfoliants instead of chemical or enzymatic exfoliants gives your skin a break from the acids while maintaining a smoother texture. Home microdermabrasion is also a good adjunct to natural peels like apple, pineapple, and cream masks. Simply alternate between these milder acids and your favorite home microdermabrasion kit from week to week. Just be careful. Don't rub the skin raw! It might heal darker than it's previous shade, creating another area that must be concealed.

If you use a system, like Artemis Woman Healing Gems Home Microdermabrasion, the Vita-K Solution At Home Microdermabrasion Kit, or any of the kits that have marvelous gadgets with attachments, be sure to use a good sunblock after your home treatments, assuming you can't avoid the sun altogether!

Choosing a kit.....
Read the boxes and decide based on the ingredients in the creams and aftercare products when you can. Home microdermabrasion kits often provide vitamin serums for use after the treatment is done. This aids healing and protects against opportunistic bacteria. Some kits include a vitamin C serum to help brighten and tighten the skin.

A decent kit will cost between $17.00 (Vita K) and $65.00 (DermaNew). Cost doesn't seen to make much difference with results as far as I can tell. If your skin is going to respond favorably you will know after several uses, so be sensible. If using the kit between home glycolic or lactic acid peels there is really no reason to plunk down top dollar for microdermabrasion. It is better to be patient and enjoy the process!

I Can't Say "Yum" Loud Enough!

Oh My!

If you ever needed a lift, no matter the season, a good scrub for the body does wonders for the soul. Get the perfect scent blended to with natural shea butter and the shower will be your new relaxation zone. I just tried Sugar Butter Delight, also known as Spa Excel Sugar Scrub, and it definitely lives up to its name.

All natural and pretty sinful! This rich scrub lifts the spirits while softening your skin!

It smells great in the shower or bath, and you won't need lotion afterward. Moisturizing oils penetrate dry skin, soothing tightness and itchiness. Every inch becomes supple and touchable. I couldn't decide whether I wanted to just smell it or actually use it...such a dilemma, but I tried it for an evening dinner party. Trust me, people can see the subtle glow of skin that is exfoliated, nourished, and deeply moisturized. I felt great, my skin looked great, and there were compliments, ladies!

Choose the ready made version or create a custom blend with a signature scent that floats with you for hours. My test run was Coconut Melon which is simply divine! It is perfect for snugly evenings with hubby ( winkety wink)!

Ingredients:

• Shea Butter
  
• Pure Cane Sugar
• Coconut Oil
• Jojoba Oil
• Olive Oil
• Castor Oil
• Citric Acid
• Vitamin E
• Add your favorite fragrance!
  

Sugar Butter Delight has found its way to my favorite body care and home spa list. If you love products that serve multiple purposes, try this. I am definitely keeping Sugar Butter Delight on hand!

Happy Holidays!

The greatest gift is the time we spend with those we love. I will be spending time with my wonderful husband and my cohorts in cosmetic experimentation!

Happy Solstice!

Ga-Ga Over Glossi Glaze

I have been experimenting with different blends for lip care for about a week now, evaluating blends that give the results I want. While I love the research before making my own, there are so many products that just don't deliver and I discard any further research into the blend. Not so with my latest find, though.

I snagged a small pot of CS Glossi Glaze and just love it! It is a great blend and worth a try, before you blend a batch for yourself, but is also great to purchase ready made. The blend of castor wax, castor oil, jojoba, and shea butter combine to soften more than most premade glosses. Just add your favorite color during blending and have a shade that balances with your complexion perfectly.

If you are ready to blend your own colors and foundations, along with this luscious gloss, the ebook, Mineral Makeup Secrets Revealed is a must have. It provides a step by step look at blending your own shades. I downloaded this little gem a while back and use it ALL the time!

There's nothing better than seriously moist lips in harsh winter weather. Get yours conditioned with this wonderful find. I think you'll like the results!

Pre-Party Planning: Need a Mild Peel?

Using the calender and natural substances is a simple way to put forth the freshest face possible for holiday festivities. There is still time for treatments to ensure glowing skin in candle lit rooms. Exfoliating chemical and enzymatic masks are straight forward, all natural, and the perfect way to get ready to look fabulous. Apples, heavy cream, sugars and salts can all play an external role and it's easier to rinse the ingredients for apple pie filling from a face then trying to erase evidence of it having been eaten, from thighs.

Two Apples and some honey can tame pimples when blended together until they resemble a paste. The malic acid in the apple acts as a gentle peeling agent and the honey is a natural moisturizer with antibacterial properties. This is a bit milder than a salicylic acid wash or mask and useful if aspirin sensitivities might be an issue. Blend heavy cream with apples and the lactic acid from the cream will join in and soften your face.

Just as most of us have used the cucumber trick on our eyes, crushing or blending the cucumber into a slushy paste can be cooling relief for the rest of the face as well. Cucumber also tightens the skin ever so slightly so this is a great mask to use before special occasions, especially if your soiree is during an evening after you have worked all day. Take about 20 minutes after you wash away your office face and before you put on your party paint. You will look more rested and, more importantly, feel refreshed enough to have fun.

Remember the heavy cream? It's also great with carrots. Put both in a blender and make a thick paste. Spread it on and relax for about 20 minutes. Let the Lactic acid and the Vitamin A from the carrots work their wonders. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.


Since none of these mixtures have preservatives, remember to refrigerate any unused portions. If started tomorrow with one facial every 5 days, skin should look fresher as newer cells are revealed. The psychological boost will be unmistakable.

Have fun!

Doing it at Home

I have always been fortunate in finding ways to get around paying high prices for skincare, mainly because I want to get things from individuals who are most like me.  Small businesses with educated people striking out on their own.  They feel like my friends and not a method to control my behavior.  I am especially drawn to those that don't advertise, but quietly turn out their product, or write the recipes I can tweak for my own evil purposes.

If you are ready to do some mild experimenting there are some staples you should have on hand. These are basic and harmless, and help you evaluate how your skin will respond.

Oils

The oils you stock will reflect your skin type.  Heavier oils, like Avocado and Jojoba are great for dry skin and can also be used as warm oil treatments before shampooing.  Grape Seed Oil is great for mature skin that cannot bear the weight of a heavier oil.  Try blending it with a bit of  Jojoba if you need the extra moisture. Apricot Kernal oil is another choice for blends or to use alone.

Along with these base, or carrier oils, a few essential oils can be added.  Since science hasn't determined the exact effects of different essential oils, we all go by their reputations which have been passed down through the ages.  My favorite essential oils are Lavender, Lemon, Frankincense, Ylang Ylang, and Rosemary.  Always mix the essential oils with another oil or cream and put no more than about 12 drops total in any blend, assuming your goal is to have about 8 ounces of finished product.  For me, 3 or 4 drops each of Lavender, Lemon, and Ylang Ylang is a great blend.  Adding a few drops of this blend to an inexpensive face cream or premade base is always nice.  Lavender is known for its healing properties, Lemon for its skin lightening properties.  Ylang Ylang has been touted as an aphrodesiac, but I use just two or three drops in my dreams because it creates a nutty under tone.  Any more than about 3 drops is overpowering.

Start with small amounts while you experiment, then reinvest in those ingredients that you use the most of.  An essential oil starter kit is a great way to sample the different possibilities.  Many kits will have a booklet listing the properties attributed to each essential oil making the "learn as you go" process much easier.

Why not make this project one of your New Year's resolutions.  Taking control of your skincare is your right.  In the long run, you save money by not paying for corporate advertising and creating your own, sustainable program of skincare.

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