Stress can creep up on you when you least expect it…a deadline you forgot about, a bill you rather not have received, a social situation you wish you could cancel, or even a crowded elevator that makes it hard to breathe.

Luckily, the makers of Calmspace understand these stressors and that’s why they’ve created a lavender infused, essential oil fragrance for those times when your anxiety levels start to peak.

Calmspace is a patent-pending, proprietary therapeutic formula of 100% natural fragrance extracts that help you manage your anxiety levels and even claustrophobic situations (yes, even your commute home on that packed bus).  Calmspace not only offers you a natural ‘chill pill’, but it’s also housed in cute packaging that easily passes for a soothing fragrance…just pop it in your purse and it’s there anytime you need it.

I had the chance to try out Calmspace for myself and I really loved the soothing fragrance.  While I don’t suffer from claustrophobic situations (well, the mall, sometimes), I do tend to stress out about things and I’m not one to hit the pillow and fall directly in a blissful slumber.  I found Calmspace to be, well, calming, and soothing, and I found myself using it before bedtime to help relax me.

To find out more about Calmspace and to see if it might work for you, head over to their site, at www.calm-space.com!

To keep even more connected with Calmspace, check on their Facebook and Twitter pages!

(First off, yes, I know…it’s been awhile…don’t make things worse by making me feel guilty.)

As much as I love cosmetics, I have to say I’m pretty smitten with skincare.  I love researching new products, trying them out, discovering what works, and what I probably shouldn’t have wasted my money on.  Lately, I’ve been on a bit of a natural kick.  By no means do I buy all my skincare needs at Whole Foods, but I do try to use natural and less harsh ingredients when I can. 

One natural product that has been on my radar lately, is Argan Oil.  It first caught my attention after psudo-model, Josie Maran started her own natural cosmetic company, and used Argan oil as an ingredient in many of her  products.  The JM line even sells bottles of the stuff in pure form, which ranges from $14 for a 15 ml bottle all the way up to $96 for a 4 oz bottle.  But, it didn’t truly catch my attention until a few weeks ago when I went on a business trip with my husband to Long Beach.  Here we were, cozied up in our separate beds (wonderful room, very small double beds) watching Josie Maran on HSN selling her Argan oil and Argan Color Sticks to America.  While I feel I was more consumed watching Josie and her models  frequently rub the oil  all over their  lips, cheeks, elbows, hands, etc with the grace and movement of a Price Is Right model, my interest did peak about the product.  So, when I got home I started my investigation.

I started at her website, then quickly sashayed over to Sephora to find out what the people thought (Sephora has great reviews).  JM’s Aragan oil got almost all 5 stars with most people loving it.  I know a bunch of you might be reading this and thinking, “okay, okay, what the heck is so great about argan oil?”…well, you’re right, let me fill you in.  Argan oil is extracted from Argan trees which grow in Morocco and it’s basically supposed to be a beauty miracle worker, curing/helping/preventing such things as acne, wrinkles, stretch-marks, split ends, eczema, psoriasis, scars, etc.  People use it on their face, on dry skin, they put it on their hair for softness, and mix it into lotions, conditioners…I mean, the list really does go on.

Even with all the raving reviews, I was still very leery about the price tag, because a 1.7 oz bottle was going to set me back $48. ouch.  So, me being a bargainista, I started doing some research and it didn’t take me very long to find an equally wonderful product, with the same raving reviews, but for A LOT cheaper.  Josie Maran Argan Oil, meet Watts Moroccan Oil.  JM’s oil is: 100% argan oil, organic, cold-pressed, free of parabens, vegan, fair-trade, and is made by a women’s co-op in Morocco, which helps to build jobs for women.  Sounds, wonderful, right…the high price tag might be making more sense, but wait.  Watts oil is:  100% argan oil, organic, cold-pressed, free of parabens, vegan, fair-trade, and is made by a women’s co-op in Morocco, which helps to build jobs for women.  And, what’s more, the jumbo 4 oz bottle is only $36.45 compared to JM’s 4 oz bottle at $96.  Fancy model, higher price tag.  Not so fancy bottle, lower price tag.  I’ll take the not-so-fancy bottle, please.

I ended up paying $18 total for my 1 oz bottle of Watts Moroccan oil, tax/shipping included in that price.  I’ve been using the product for a week now and so far I really like the product.  At night, I’ve been putting about 3-4 drops on my face and letting it sink in for a few hours before I apply my night-time retinol (Roc) at bedtime.  For the first time this weekend, I’ve applied it to my morning moisturizer and it gives my skin a nice glow (my husband even said my skin looked glowing without having to probe him first).  I’ve even applied it to my ends hoping my split ends might magically disappear.

Now, I can’t say that I will never have acne again, or that I will now forever look like a 28 year old.  But, I can say that my skin is very soft, I like the natural ingredients, and I do hope to see some long-term results.  I’m also pretty thrilled that I didn’t let Ms. Maran pull a fast one over me…and you shouldn’t either.

When it comes to skin, I feel that there is always room for improvement.  Whether you’re battling breakouts, wrinkles, dark circles, fine lines, age spots, dark spots, spots in general, there is always something about your skin that you’d like to change. 

Last year, I had a bout of acne that sent my self esteem back to freshman year of high school.  This year, I have zero acne, but I’m noticing crow’s feet and dark circles under my eyes.  Like I said, there is always something.  Instead of sitting by and letting Mother Nature take her toll on me, I’ve instead taken action with high-potency eye creams and dark circle reducing concealors.  The results have been hit and miss…love the eye cream, all the concealers are less than fabulous.  But, the other day I was introduced to a product that just might help me save face…and I liked the results so much that I’m this close to shelling out $40 for a product that is only 0.1 oz.

What issss this mircle product you ask?  Yves Saint Laurent (YSL for you fashion hounds) “Touche Éclat”…or for those of us who don’t speak French, Radiant Touch.  This stuff is amazing, it’s like a super concealor.  Let me tell you about it.  Supposedly it’s the best kept secret of super models and the world’s top makeup artists, but apparently the secret’s out.  Basically, YSL Radiant Touch, is 8 hours of sleep in a clickable pen.  Apply it to dark circles, shadow spots around eyes, fine lines, signs of fatigue (think of the wrinkled brow look between your eyes), anywhere you want to look refreshed and radiant.  I’ve used it the past few days under my eyes, along my brow line, and between my brows to give me a rested look, and I have to admit I love it.  I don’t know what’s in this magic pen, but it really does make you look super refreshed and my dark circles disappear under it.

Radiant Touch does more than just hide flaws, it also helps bring out your features.  You can use it to contour the bridge of your nose, the bow above your lip, and the hollow of your chin.  And a little goes a long way.  I have one of those tiny samples where you peel back the protective paper to get to the product and it has lasted me two days now and it looks like I haven’t even touched the stuff.  Depending how you use the product, it could last you a really long time.

While I’m more of a bargainist when it comes to makeup, I think $40 is worth the splurge when you look good and feel good about yourself.  $40 for a confidence booster?  Sold!

Vaseline (aka petroleum jelly) is one of those products that you probably have hanging around in your bathroom somewhere, but do you really use it…or for that matter, do you even know what to use it for?  I like to think of it as the WD-40 of beauty products…the possibilities are endless.  Below are a few of my favorite uses for Vaseline.

1.  Eye Makeup Remover:  Apply Vaseline on a soft tissue or cotton pad and gently swipe over your (closed) eye lids to remove makeup and soften skin.  This trick is particularly great for removing stubborn mascara and fake lashes…gentle and effective.

2.  Cuticle Softener:  Rub Vaseline on cuticles to help soften and repair.  You can also do this trick before painting your nails.  Just apply the Vaseline around your nails, take a little nail polish remover to remove any excess from your actual nail…and after you polish, you are left with nice, neat nails.

3.  Lip Smoother:  Smooth Vaseline onto lips, then gently scrub lips with a toothbrush or damp wash cloth.  Voilà!  Your lips are now smooth and soft.

4.  Rough Patch Resolver:  I like to do this one before going to bed…just smooth Vaseline onto feet, massage in, and apply your favorite aloe socks (normal socks works too).  When you wake up your feet will be smoother and more hydrated.  For even greater hydration, use Vaseline on feet first, then apply your favorite foot moisturizer over the Vaseline layer and rub in!

5.  Nix Lipstick Teeth:  This is an old beauty pageant trick.  When wearing bright shades of lipstick, always apply a thin layer of Vaseline to teeth to prevent the tragic lipstick to teeth transfer.

6.  Create a Tinted Balm:  This is a great idea to make your wallet stretch.  Just mix a bit of Vaseline with your favorite lipstick to create a healthy-looking tinted balm for your lips and you can even use it on your cheeks!

7.  Dewy Lids:  This is probably one of my favorite uses.  To create a dewy look (which is perfect for summer) just apply your favorite eye shadow as you normally would, then sweep a thin layer of Vaseline over your lids to give them a creamy glow.

8.  Body Scrub:  Mix Vaseline with sea salts for a softening hand, foot, or body scrub!

9.  Facial Moisturizer:  For those of you with really dry skin, you can use Vaseline as a facial moisturizer.  Just apply to damp skin after cleansing.

10.  Protect Your Hairline:  If you color your hair at home, apply Vaseline to your hair line to prevent the dye from staining your skin.

11.  Groomed Brows:  Just a touch of Vaseline keeps your brows in place all day.

12.  Sensitive Shaver:  Use Vaseline on “sensitive areas” when shaving for added protection.

With Vaseline, the uses are endless…and with a price tag of around $2.99, you really can’t go wrong.  Do you have an amazing use for Vaseline?  Please feel free to share in the comment section!

One of my favorite indulgences is shoes.  I love everything from flats to heels…the only problem is breaking them in and wearing them for extended periods of time.

In the past I have worn shoes that have smooshed my tootsies and rubbed blisters on the back of my heels.  Ouch.  These kinds of beatings would end up forcing me to stow away my most fabulous shoes, but now I can walk out in style thanks to Polly foot primer-a miracle product that you need in your purse at all times.

Polly Foot Primer is all-natural and made specifically for women to prevent friction between you and your must-have shoes.  Polly goes on clear, is fragrance free, and will not stain your shoes.  It can turn your stilletos from a 2 hour wear to a 6 hour wear.  It’s also made with organic ingredients like aloe vera and grapeseed oil, leaving your skin soft and smooth.  The packaging is also 100% recyclable, so you will never have to feel guilty about not hurting in your shoes.

I had the opportunity to try out Polly for myself and I put it to the test right away with a particularly naughty pair of flats.  These two-cute-for-words flats had been giving me trouble for weeks, no matter how much I tried to break them in.  I would go home at the end of the day walking like an 80 year old women and my stash of Hello Kitty band-aids were running low, thanks to the raw heels these shoes left me with.  But, this massacre soon ended when I enlisted Polly.  I applied the invisible balm to my heel area before slipping on my flats.  After about two hours of being on my feet, I felt completely fine.  During my lunch break, I decided to apply another layer just in case, and by the end of the day I had successfully worn my flats without wincing once.  Polly is now a staple in my purse, for those pesky flats, and for any new shoes that my feet might encounter.   

Polly Foot Primer is so awesome in fact that the June issue of Marie Claire magazine named it the must-have product of the month…but, I personally think it’s a must-have product year around.  To find out more about Polly and to find out where you can buy, visit their website.

While I’m obsessed with makeup, I do like to take a less is more approach…I mean, I can’t wear all my products in one shot, this isn’t the 80′s.  With it being summer and all, I also like to keep things beachy looking and minimal…and I have found the perfect product to achieve the ‘no makeup look’ gracefully.

Walking out of the house without full-blown foundation is now achievable thanks to Physician’s Formula Mineral Wear Correcting Powder.  This powder, with it’s candy colored hues, makes you want to give it a lick…but trust me, it’s more than just eye candy.  Each color blends together to give skin an even appearance and a flawless finish.  Pink helps to brighten, green tones down redness, and yellow adds glowing warmth.  The compact comes with a brush, but I like to use a more fluffy brush for easier application, I use this one by Bare Escentuals.

I first purchased this product to go along with my Physician’s Formula Healthy Wear Tinted Moisturer, to help add a more even finish.  But, I soon braved the notion of not wearing any makeup and applied this miracle powder over my daily facial moisturizer and I was super excited with the results.  The powder took away shine, evened out my skin, and hid my imperfections (I did spot conceal under my eyes and on a few pesky acne marks…hey, I’m not perfect!).  The coverage lasted all day and with a swipe of eyeshadow and mascara, I was good to go.

I’m also obsessed that this product is talc-free and the formula doesn’t cake, crease, or settle into wrinkles and fine lines.  And with the drugstore price of about $12, there is lots to love.  We all need a secret weapon in our makeup bag, and this is mine.

You might think that since I have a blog about beauty everything that I spill all my beauty secrets to the world.  But, I must admit that I am a tad selfish and this blog is not full-disclosure.  However!  I have decided to reveal one of my absolute best beauty secrets because I believe that everyone needs to own this particular beauty product.  No, no…it’s my pleasure.

For the past six years I have consistently worn a particular shade of eyeshadow by Stila called Twig.  During my days at Nordstrom, I bought a makeup set by Stila, that benefited breast cancer research.  I initially purchased the set because it included the iconic Kitten eyeshadow, but never would I know that the real treat happened to be the Twig eyeshadow that was also a part of the set.

It actually took me months before I dared to try the Twig eyeshadow.  Twig is a rich, shimmery, earthy-brown color, something that I would never touch in the past for plain fear of application skills.  For any of you who do venture into smokey, dark shades of shadow, you know that some of them blend and some of them don’t…you can either walk out looking like a goddess or a street walker; there is no either or.  But finally, I mustered the courage and tried out the shadow and found the color utterly beautiful and a piece of cake to apply and blend.  The color did wonders for my blue peepers, but it wasn’t a shade that my fair skin could sport everyday…so I got smart, and started using it as an eyeliner.  Which just happened to be one of my best beauty decisions ever, right up there with purchasing a quality flat iron. 

Twig works so great as an eyeliner and it compliments so many different eyeshadow colors, not to mention the rich brown is a universally flattering shade.  If you haven’t already, you need to purchase a good angled eyeliner brush (I love mine from MAC) and just dip the brush in a touch of water and dot the brush on your eyeshadow (you can do this with all your eyeshadows that are dark enough, I haven’t bought liner in years) and then glide the brush on top of your upper lash line.  Results:  Bellismo!

Now go out and buy your Twig shadow…you can thank me later.

…on a beer budget.

Just because the economy is a little lackluster these days, doesn’t mean you want to be.  But, let’s face it, times are tough and sometimes it’s hard to justify or stomach that $50 eye cream.  So, I have compiled a splurge vs. steal list for all you bargainistas out there in search for comparable beauty products that won’t compromise your beauty routine.

The Splurge:  Benetint-the cult classic rose tinted lip and cheek stain.

The Steal:  Sonia Kashuk Lip and Cheek tint- same tint, same results…but for $20 cheaper.  You be the judge.

The Splurge:  Wen Haircare-  This cleansing conditioner is a favorite of celebrities and housewives alike…but a 30-day supply will set you back $30.

The Steal:  Hair One-  At $10 a bottle and an overwhelming amount of positive reviews from people who have tried both Wen and Hair One, the question is why would you opt for the splurge?

The Splurge:  DiorShow Mascara-  Ah, another cult favorite…and a favorite of mine for several years.  But, now with so many amazing drugstore formulas I can’t believe I coughed up $24 every other month for a tube of mascara.

The Steal:  Covergirl LashBlast Mascara-  I’ve been using the Luxe version of this mascara (Luxe has shimmer) for several months and I have not once missed my DiorShow.  This mascara lengthens and volumizes…only difference is it’s at a fraction of the cost.

The Splurge:  Bliss Fatgirlslim-  I love Bliss products and fatgirlslim is one to love.  It does what it promises, which is smoothing the appearance of dimpled areas, but it does so at a cost…of $29 for a 6 oz tub!

The Steal:  Soap & Glory Slimwear-  You’ll get the same amazing results, but for half the cost and some  extra change.  Know what I really love?  The fact that Soap & Glory was created by Marcia Kilgore, the founder of Bliss.  How’s that for a comparable?

Substituting a splurge for a steal doesn’t have to be painful.  Think of all the money you’re going to save for that new handbag…um, I mean for that savings account you’re going to start!

I love the winter months.  Snuggly sweaters, cozy fires, dry, parched skin…wait, what?

It’s sad, but true that the colder months bring a lot more than turkey dinners and hot cocoa.  Winter is not the kindest season to our hair and skin.  It leaves us with dry hair, static, flaky and dry skin, and lips that are anything but soft.  But, by tailoring your beauty routine to suit the elements, you too can take solace during the cold nights knowing that your legs are still soft and silky (even if they are covered up by flannel pj’s).

Below, is a list of a few of my favorite products I use during the winter months.

Skin:  Cold air, wind, indoor heaters, and dry air can all leave your skin looking less than luminous.  But, don’t worry…just by switching or adding some products can help your skin look good all year around.

Face:
Eucerin Everday Protection Face Lotion:  This is a great face lotion for the day because it’s lightweight and doesn’t leave your skin feeling greasy; a perfect combination to wear under your makeup.  I also like that it contains SPF 30 (there’s an SPF 15 formula as well).  You might think that you can skimp on SPF a little in the winter time, but don’t be fooled; even on a cloudy day you can be exposed to both UVA and UVB rays.  This lotion provides 24 hour moisture and is fragrance-free, oil-free, non-irritating, and non-comedogenic…perfect for dry, sensitive skin.

Hope in a Jar:  Your skin repairs itself at night, so it’s very important to wear a good moisturizer to bed…especially during the winter months.  I became a fan of Philosophy’s Hope in a Jar a few years ago and have been hooked ever since.  The great thing about the line is it comes in two different formulas to suit different skin types.  You can choose from the original formula (shown) and the dry, sensitive skin formula.  I love this moisturizer because it leaves my skin looking luminous and it helps prevent/treat wrinkles.

Body:
Dove Nutrium Body Wash:  A moisturizing body wash is essential to me, especially in the winter months.  During the summer I sometimes like to play around with scented body washes, but in the winter I go for creamy, moisturizing versions that are fragrance-free.  I’ve been using the new Dove Nutrium body wash the last few months and I love it.  The line has three different formulas, but I prefer the fragrance-free version for the winter because it’s less likely to strip my skin of moisture or cause irritation.  And what’s so different about Dove Nutruim?  Instead of the moisturizers sitting on your skin, they actually can be completely absorbed into the skin because the moisturizers are 100% natural.  The result is clean moisture, that your skin can actually use.

Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturizing Lotion:  The worst part of winter for me, besides missing the warmer weather?  Dry, itchy skin.  There are a ton of great formulas out there, but I happen to keep going back to Aveeno’s Skin Relief lotion.  I love this formula because it keeps my skin moisturized for 24 hours, it absorbs quickly and it doesn’t feel greasy.  The Triple Oat formula contains shea butter extract which helps soothe itchy, extra dry skin.  So, instead of your skin feeling like sandpaper it feels like a baby’s bottom…smooth.

Sally Hansen Radiant Creme:  This is another product that I’ve had in my arsenal for several years.  I use this 3-in-1 cream all year around because it helps to moisturize your hands, nails, and cuticles.  I keep it extra “handy” in the winter because my hands tend to get really dry.  I love this formula because it keeps my hands soft, my cuticles smooth and it strengthens my nails.  It’s also great because it smells nice, yet subtle and it absorbs quickly with no greasy aftermath.

Hair:  Thanks to the lack of moisture in the air during the winter, hair lacks…well, moisture.  You can thank your heater at the office, the wind, and that hot shower you take every morning.

L’Oreal Nutri-Gloss Shampoo and Conditioner:  Over the past few years I’ve actually tried a few drug-store hair care brands that I’ve actually really liked.  The Nutri-Gloss line from L’Oreal Paris was one of them.  This is a great shampoo and conditioner choice for the winter because it moisturizes without weighing hair down and it leaves your hair with a glossy finish…which is something your hair can easily lose when it’s dried out.  I also like this line because there are several different formulas depending on your hair type…not to mention that you can own both the shampoo and conditioner for under $10.

Garnier Triple Nutrition 3-Minute Undo Dryness Treatment:  Whether you do it once a month, once every two weeks,  or once a week, you MUST deep condition your hair in the winter.  Depending on your hair type you can focus the deep conditioner either on your ends or all over your head, but you do need to use one.  Why?  Because, it helps restore moisture by penetrating the hair shaft deeper than your normal conditioner does.  It also leaves your hair extremely soft and manageable.  Honestly, I’ve tried expensive deep conditioners and inexpensive ones and they all do the same job.  I like this new one by Garnier because it is fast with only a 3-minute wait time and it combines olive, avocado and shea oils to deeply nourish hair without weighing it down.

Got 2b Styltini Laminating Shine Hairspray:  Winter can turn my relatively flat looking hair into a electrocuted-looking mess.  If static is getting you down, there are all sorts of products that can help tame your mane.  Some products you can use include:  a dryer sheet (yes, really…if you don’t mind smelling like Downey), smoothing serums, shine spray, hair spray, etc.  I personally love Got 2b’s shine hairspray that gives you the best of both worlds; flexible hold AND all-day shine.  This product is perfect for those of you with a static problem or those who don’t want to lose their coif to the elements.

Catch All:  That product that will save you from all of your winter woes and then some.

Eucerin Aquaphor Healing Ointment:  There’s always a product out there that can do a million different things…this one is mine and I find it especially essential during the winter months.  Aquaphor is an ointment that protects dry, cracked and irritated skin while helping to reduce healing time.  It’s great for things such as cracked cuticles, extra dry elbows and knees, rough heels and I especially love (love, love, love) it for my lips.  It helps to make them extra soft and smooth and it’s perfect during the winter, especially for those of you in extremely cold climates.  I’ve also used it on dry patches of skin and even the ends of my hair (I recommend you trying this before you have plans to go out!).  This product is fragrance-free, preservative-free, non-irritating and oh so wonderful!

I hope this list helps you stay beautiful, moisturized and polished…it’s up to you to stay cozy!

For the most part, I love having my nails painted…the only thing that stops me is waiting forever for them to dry.  Luckily, I found a solution to this problem when my nails are looking less than glamorous and I’m short on time.

I started using Sally Hansen Insta-Dri nail polish a few months ago and I have to say that it has saved me a few times when I’ve either forgotten to paint my nails for a night out or when I was just too lazy to go through the whole drying process (I don’t know about you, but I am constantly messing up my freshly polished nails). 

The Insta-Dri polish actually dries in about 60 seconds or less per coat and then you can be out the door and on your way, minus a botched polish job.  The line has 24 shades to choose from, my favorites being, Beige Blast, Petal Pusher, Jumpin’ Jade, Flashy Fuchsia and Sonic Boom.  The 24 color palette is actually right on trend with great neutrals, pops of colors and even the trendier blue, black, green and purples.

So, if you’re like me and you’re always up 10 minutes after your alarm goes off, then this polish might just be your saving grace!