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

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

Anti-Aging Anti-Wrinkle Eye Line Filler is a skin smoothing formula with powerful peptides that fills lines immediately and works to rebuild wrinkled areas over time.  You apply your regular eye cream and allow it to fully absorb.  Then you gently pat this line filler directly on wrinkled areas around the eye such as crows feet (or even those notorious wrinkles between your eyebrows) and watch them slowly disappear before your eyes.  It’s the perfect pick me up throughout the day.

Anti-Aging Concealer SPF 20 comes in three natural-looking shades that banish under-eye darkness, discoloration and redness anywhere on the face, and offers long lasting coverage for a flawless look.  It also keeps future damage at bay with UVA and UVB sun protection factor 20 and includes potent antioxidants and collagen enhancing ingredients.  Now as a person who cannot leave the house without concealer and SPF, this one I am super excited about!  How often do you get a concealer that not only hides your flaws, but benefits your skin concerns as well?  This is something that La Prairie has always been known for with their makeup.

Being a retail trainer for La Prairie has definitely taught me a lot about skin care and I really have them as a company to thank for where I have gotten in this industry today.  So if anyone has any other questions or interest about La Prairie as a line, please let me know!  I’d love to hear from you.    And don’t forget to check out their 3 new fragrances (Life Threads- Silver, Gold, and Platinum) that are also launching this fall as well.

Until next time dolls…  xoxo

A PhotoFacial is an anti-aging treatment that reduces hyperpigmentation, redness, fine lines, and wrinkles through a form of intense pulsed light that safely penetrates all levels of the skin.  It results in a more youthful appearance and normally requires little to no downtime.  Most PhotoFacial treatments start at $1500 for a series and are usually offered at medi-spas.  Now I don’t know about you, but I certainly don’t have that much money growing off my money tree.  So when Kinerase came out with PhotoFacials Sun Damage Reversal System Introductory Kit, an at home treatment for $100, I was super excited.

Kinerase PhotoFacials Sun Damage Reversal System Introductory Kit is an at-home system that features three products that reverse the signs of sun damage in as little as four weeks.  The set contains an Exfoliating Cleanser (to be used AM and PM), a Day Moisturizer with SPF 50 (yippee!), and a Night Moisturizer.  Instead of using intense pulsed light, these products are packed with active ingredients that replicate the benefits of an in-office procedure.  This system is truly worth every penny is the perfect way to reverse the damages of summers past.  Just keep in mind that everybody will experience different results.  The more damage you have, the more drastic the results will be.

Until next time guys…  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

Now how many of you wish you could smooth out those infamous dimples in your skin?  And no I don’t mean the cute dimples that appear in your cheeks when you smile.  I’m talking about those dimples in your butt and thighs!  Yup, cellulite has plagued many of us women for quite some time. And it seems like there have been thousands of products out there that claim to get rid of cellulite.  Well let me break it down to you a little bit here on some important facts about cellulite:

• Cellulite is gel-like lumps of fat, water, and residues of toxic substances beneath the skin, usually around the hips and thighs.
• Cellulite is caused primarily by female hormones and genetics, meaning men don’t get it!  Lucky!
• Cellulite becomes visible when damage to the dermis occurs causing the fat cells to become closer to the surface of the skin.  This damage happens when water is lost and the collagen and elastin tissues become weakened.  Another reason to stay hydrated!
• Unfortunately, reducing the appearance of cellulite is a continual process and cannot be completely diminished.  But fortunately, there are ways to refine our figures and smooth out that dimpled skin even if it does take a little work.

Caudalie Contouring Concentrate is an ultra-concentrated care product that really does produce visible results.  It comes with a 30 day marked gradation on the side of the bottle that lets you know exactly how much you need to apply each day.  I’ve just completed my first 7 days and have to tell you that I am so pleased with the results.  Not only has the product started to smooth out my dimples, my skin feels firmer and totally hydrated all day long.  Made completely with active ingredients coming from plant extracts, the solution itself also helps to drain excess water weight and leaves a refreshing lemon scent that is 100% natural.  Its something that has made an easy transition into my daily regimen and makes me feel better in my own skin.  How much more could I ask for?  I’m so happy to have finally found an anti-cellulite treatment that has given me visible results so soon and am really excited to see what continued use of this product can do!  I’ll definitely be keeping you all posted!

Until next time my loves…  xoxo