For those of you that are new to the brand Philosophy, this is the perfect starter set for you.  It is an effective skincare line and comes at a completely affordable price.  This set includes Philosophy’s best-selling skincare products all designed to promote radiantly clear and smooth skin.  And coming in fairly large sizes, The Miracle Worker will last long enough for you to see real results.  I highly recommend it to those of you looking to try a new line but don’t want to spend a ton on purchasing an entire skincare regimen.

The Miracle Worker contains:

• 8 oz Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleanser
• 8 oz The Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash
• 2 oz Hope In A Jar
• 0.5 oz Hope In a Tube
• 1 oz The Microdelivery Peel Crystals
• 1 oz The Microdelivery Peel Gel

Do any of you use Philosophy products?  I’m a huge fan of their body care line and especially their holiday sets. Check out my previous post on another Philosophy holiday gift set I’m definitely picking up!    And head over to Sephora.com to see more from their holiday collections.

Until next time girls and boys…  xoxo

Eczema has plagued many members of my family and unfortunately many of my friends as well.  Eczema is an inflammatory, painful itching disease of the skin, acute or chronic in nature, with dry or moist lesions.  Attractive right?  Fortunately as I have grown older, my eczema has dramatically decreased and now only affects my legs during the season changes.  I get it right at the back of my knees and have found ways to keep it under control by doing what I do best: testing out and trying all the products you can think of until I find the ones that work for me.

Well just a couple months ago, I came across an article in Allure Magazine that discussed a study done on eczema patients using coconut oil and olive oil.  I’ve mentioned before here on BCB the wonders that olive oil can do for your skin, but surprisingly not coconut oil.  I know I’ve mentioned before how much I love anything and everything coconut so I was surprised that I never thought of writing about this benefit of coconut oil before.  In fact, my boyfriend uses coconut oil as his body moisturizer every day and his skin is perfect!  So there’s gotta be something to it.

Well in this study Allure refers to, 52 patients applied either coconut oil or olive oil twice a day for four weeks.  The study found that although both significantly alleviated skin dryness, coconut oil had a stronger antibacterial effect- “clearing 95 percent of skin infections involving Staphylococcus aureus bacterium, which is believed to exacerbate eczema.”  Because coconut oil is absorbed into the skin more quickly than olive oil, it doesn’t feel as greasy on the skin either.  Try them together with this detoxifying firming scrub I wrote about earlier on BCB.

So after reading this article, and stealing some of my boyfriend’s Health Support Raw Organic Coconut Oil, I did a test patch on my skin and found it to work wonders!  It immediately alleviated the itching, instantly moisturized the dry cracks I was experiencing, and seemed to clear up my eczema breakouts much more effectively than the ointments I had been using my entire life.  It was amazing! There’s nothing better than finding a product that works for you. And I always say there’s nothing better than using a natural source free of chemicals on your skin.

So what natural skin remedies do you guys use?  Share with us and leave a comment! 

Until next time friends…  xoxo

I’ve mentioned before on BCB how much I love Caudalie’s products.  From their cleansers to their body regimens, Caudalie is by far one of my top skin care lines.  Not only are their products highly effective, they are derived from natural sources and strive to continually be eco-conscious.  Overall, Caudalie’s mission to effectively treat the skin while maintaining respect for the environment goes hand in hand with my personal philosophies as well.

So today I wanted to tell you all about my love for Caudalie Beauty Elixir and how it seems to be the only thing that instantly makes me feel better on sick days other than being babied by my mom and boyfriend.    This spray is an anti-dull complexion treatment that smoothes features, tightens pores and literally provides an instant burst of radiance to the skin.  With ingredients like orange blossom and organic mint, the smells and sensations provide the perfect pick me up.  My senses are awakened, my skin feels soft and dewy, and I actually look alive!  What more could I ask for when feeling completely under the weather?

Now not only does Caudalie’s Beauty Elixir make for a great pick me up, it can also double as a wonderful after-shave for men or an exceptional makeup setter.  Just spritz it on before your moisturizer, after foundation, or any time of the day for instant energy and radiance.

What helps you guys out when you’re not feeling too well?  Leave me a comment and let me know!

Until next time my friends…  xoxo

Around this time of year, most of you probably switch up your skin care routine and incorporate more hydrating treatments and facial creams.  Well, that’s great!     Just don’t forget about the skin on your body as well.  Be sure to exfoliate more and look for ingredients like shea butter to soothe rough, dry or chapped skin.

In the early 1980’s, Olivier Baussan, Founder of L’Occitane, made his first trip to Burkina Faso and discovered shea butter.  Since then, L’Occitane has worked with a handful of local women and entrusted them with the secrets of shea butter preparation – which is why shea butter is known as “Women’s Gold.”  As a company, L’Occitane has assisted these women in building a stable future for themselves and their families.

Click here to watch a fascinating video on the production of shea butter in Africa.

L’Occitane’s Moments in Africa Soap Set is a new, limited edition holiday set that benefits not only the women and families of Burkina Faso, but also ORBIS, a non-profit organization dedicated to fighting preventable blindness around the world.  100% of the proceeds are donated to ORBIS through the L’Occitane Foundation.

So take pleasure in these three hand soaps perfumed with essential oils of lemongrass, eucalyptus, and orange and enjoy the carved depictions of these special moments in African life:  The Morning Harvest, The Wedding Day, and Children at Play.  You’ll be doing a good thing not only for your skin, but for others around the world as well.

Click here to see more of L’Occitane’s Shea Butter Collection.

Until next time my beautiful people…  xoxo

Last week I mentioned how much I love La Prairie’s products and how if I could afford the entire line, I would!  What I didn’t mention was how much more my boyfriend actually enjoys the line as well!  He will probably kill me for mentioning this (haha), but its true.  La Prairie is just as male friendly as any other line.  I mean yes, it may come in very pretty packaging, but the efficacy of their products works across both genders.

My boyfriend’s favorite line from La Prairie is the Radiance Collection.  Well just last month, La Prairie came out with The Radiance Premiere Collection, Limited Edition.  It is an introductory collection of travel-size items that allows you to experience the luxury of La Prairie at a fraction of the cost.  Included in this set:

• Cellular Radiance Concentrate Pure Gold
• Cellular Radiance Cream
• Cellular Radiance Eye Cream

Now the exciting news I received last week is that La Prairie is also making The Skin Caviar Premiere Collection (the line that made La Prairie world famous), which will be available in stores next month and The Anti-Aging Premiere Collection (my absolute favorite line from La Prairie) coming out in January 2010.  It looks like I’ve found the perfect stocking stuffers for this upcoming holiday season!    So if you’ve ever been interested in testing out the luxury of La Prairie, I highly recommend picking up one of these collections.  I promise you will never want to experience anything less.

Until next time my loves…  xoxo

Many skin care companies are coming out with lines specifically geared towards sensitive skin, which is great news.  It can be difficult finding the right treatment choices when dealing with sensitive skin.  However, just because a product line claims to be for sensitive skin, I always recommend doing a test patch first.  It’s better safe than sorry when dealing with a condition like this.  The primary goal for treatment of sensitive skin is to calm and cool the skin while increasing the skin’s ability to create a barrier from the environment.  When purchasing a product, stay on the lookout for ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, allantoin, azulene, and licorice extracts which help to calm and soothe the skin.

One skin care line that I’ve always been a true fan of is Origins.  Origins teamed up with Dr. Andrew Weil, the foremost authority on integrative health, and developed a collection of sensitive skin treatments that optimize the skin’s defenses while targeting a wide array of skin concerns.  Made of a potent blend of health-promoting plants and herbs, this line has shown to be a promising treatment for those with sensitive skin.  The entire line includes:

Plantidote™ Mega-Mushroom Face Serum

Plantidote™ Mega-Mushroom Face Cleanser

Plantidote™ Mega-Mushroom Face Cream

Plantidote™ Mega-Mushroom Treatment Lotion

Plantidote™ Mega-Mushroom Eye Serum

Plantidote™ Mega-Mushroom Face Lotion

Plantidote™ Mega-Mushroom Eye Makeup Remover Pads with Therapeutic Benefits

Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins™ Conditioning Lip Balm with Turmeric

Plantidote™ Mega-Mushroom Body Cream

Plantidote™ Mega-Mushroom Skin-Calming Face Mask

In addition to being a great line, Origins still holds true to their Recycling Program taking any empty beauty container (Origins or not) and recycling them for you.  Dr. Weil has also promised to donate all profits from his line of products with Origins to the Weil Foundation, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting integrative medicine through training, education and research. And as if this couldn’t get any better, Origins is offering a free Skincare Set with any skincare order until October 3^rd on Origins.com.  With four different sets targeting aging, brightening, firming, or repairing you get deluxe samples of a cleanser, serum, and Origins popular Modern Friction gentle dermabrasion.  How great is that?

So to all my sensitive skinned beauties, I feel your pain but stay positive.  There are so many promising products out there! 

Until next time everyone…  xoxo

So today I wanted to give you another tip on battling cellulite (I told you it was going to be a continuous one).  This at home recipe goes perfect in conjunction with Caudalie’s all-natural, anti-cellulite concentrate I told you about last week.  Plus its fun making your own concoctions at home isn’t it?  I’ve always been a little scientist ever since I was a little girl so I definitely think so. 

The following treatment is a great firming scrub that contains coffee beans (renowned as an anti-cellulite agent) to help detoxify and tighten the skin.  Combined with sugar and coconut, it also helps to exfoliate, reduce fine lines, and fend off acne.  Macadamia or olive oil is great for deep hydration while essential oils help to wake up your senses.  Gentle enough for every day use, this scrub will leave your skin silky smooth and will appear virtually dimple free.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups cane sugar
• ¼ cup ground coffee beans
• ¼ cup shredded coconut
• ¾ cup macadamia nut oil or olive oil
• 1 tsp. honey
• 3-5 drops essential oil of choice

Directions:

1. Mix sugar, ground coffee beans, coconut, and oil in a bowl until fully combined.  Add honey followed by the essential oil.
2. Transfer the mixture to a plastic container with a lid. (The scrub will keep for 1 to 2 weeks sealed at room temperature.)
3. Rub a generous scoop of the scrub over your arms, legs, stomach, chest, and bottom, scrubbing medium to hard depending on your sensitivity.
4. Rinse off in the shower under warm to hot water, ensuring the sugar crystals disintegrate completely.  Pat dry to allow the oils to soak into your soft, glowing skin.

Note: Those with very sensitive skin may wish to use pure cane sugar because it is less abrasive than raw.

Try this one out and let me know what you guys think.  It smells absolutely fabulous and is a great way to start your day!  There’s nothing better than the smell of coffee to get you going.  Plus this treatment doesn’t even cost you any calories like a cup of joe would!  How great is that?  Well, unless you eat it of course! 

Until next time ladies…  xoxo

*Recipe courtesy of spamagazine.com

Not only was the restaurant great, but the company we spent it with was just as amazing as well.  I had the pleasure of meeting the wife of one of my boyfriend’s business associates who actually is the heart of this post today.  At the end of our lovely meal, this wonderful woman pulled out two little sachets as a gift to both my boyfriend and myself.  She mentioned that she always makes a little gift for people she knows she is meeting for the first time.  I was so touched by her selfless act that I just had to tell you all about it here on BCB.  Inside our sachets was hand made jewelry that she had created herself and a beautiful piece made of larimar stone.  Larimar is a rare stone found only in the Dominican Republic and represents peace and clarity, emitting an energy of healing and love.  It a beautiful stone and I will always remember this beautiful woman for it.

Now throughout our dinner we carried on many conversations but one that stuck out in particular was what this lovely woman did for her own skin.  I wish I had a picture to show you but this older woman did not have a single wrinkle on her face!  She had gorgeously healthy looking skin.  She told us a story about this 60 year old woman she had met when she was younger who looked no older than 25.  She asked the woman what her secret was and the woman told her olive oil.  From then on, my new friend used olive oil on her face daily!  Little did she know that olive oil truly is a beauty secret that has been around for centuries.

Here are some different ways olive oil (a natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory) can give you an all over beauty treatment:

• Mix ¼ cup of virgin olive oil (to hydrate and protect the skin) with 1 egg white (to nourish and tighten the skin) and apply the mixture as a mask to the face and neck to help smooth, tighten, and hydrate.
• Mix 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil (to loosen layers of dead skin) and ¼ cup of sugar to slough away rough spots like the elbows and knees.  Can also be used with a coarse salt all over the body to tone and stimulate the skin, while keeping it hydrated.
• Pure olive oil can be used to keep hair soft and tangle free by applying to the hair and scalp and left overnight.  Follow with a great shampoo the next morning for frizz free locks.
• Take care of neglected tootsies by dipping your feet into warm olive oil for a few minutes and buffing them with coarse salt, and rinse.
• Apply olive oil all over to soften dry, irritated skin and to treat sunburns after spending a day at the beach
• For a quick treatment to tame frizzy hair and fly-aways, apply a few drops to your hands and comb through hair with your fingers.

If you have any other olive oil tricks, please comment and share with us your experiences!  And if you’d like to see more useful home remedies, click here and check out this awesome book.

Until next time everyone…  xoxo

Well Dr. Dennis Gross, a renowned New York dermatologist, has created that product.  MD Skincare Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel 30 Day Supply does not actually peel the skin but instead provides a gentle, “microscopic” exfoliation that is safe enough to use every day.  This two-step process combines five Alpha Hydroxy Acids and Beta Hydroxy Acids at low concentrations to give a more gentle but effective treatment.  In addition to the exfoliating acids in the treatment are green tea extract, genistein (a firming ingredient derived from soy), and retinol.  All of these help yield an improved and luminous look.  These little pads that come as a treatment in Step 1 and a neutralizer in Step 2 literally take only two minutes of your day but give you a smoother, firmer, more even complexion over time.  And it all can go down in your very own home!

Check out this podcast by Dr. Gross himself speaking on the Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel.

I myself have tried this product and fell in love with it from the very first application.  The treatment comes in either a 30- or 60-day supply.  It is so simple to use and the results I saw were instant.  My skin felt like porcelain!  I was amazed.  Not only did my skin instantly feel smooth, but my skin tone evened out over time as well.  The product yielded such great results with my own skin, that I decided to investigate more of the MD Skincare line.

So yesterday we talked about my battle with bacne.  Well guess what?  Not only does Dr. Gross make the Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel, but he also makes one for the body.  It is with MD Skincare Alpha Beta Daily Body Peel that I was able to overcome the hyperpigmentation that resulted from my horrible habit of picking at my back.  Not only did my dark spots fade, but the texture of my back smoothed out as well.  I am a true fan of Dr. Gross’ products and I highly recommend you trying some of them out as well!

Until next time ladies…  xoxo