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

Glowelle is the ultimate beauty drink that helps fight signs of aging by nourishing the skin from the inside out.  It is a dietary supplement that contains high antioxidant nutrients, botanicals and fruit extracts and is made with all natural ingredients with no artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners.  It comes in two different forms (liquid and powder) and has been clinically tested with amazing results.  The clinical studies have shown that Glowelle:

• helps to protect the skin by helping to reduce some of the skin effects induced by moderate sun exposure
• increases antioxidant activity in the body, which may help slow down skin aging
• helps even skin tone, contributing to younger-looking skin

Now I’ve never been the one to stay on top of taking my daily supplements (especially when they come in pill form).  But not only does Glowelle contribute to a healthy and natural glow by providing the supplements my body and skin needs, it tastes really good as well!  It comes in two different flavors, Natural Raspberry Jasmine and Natural Pomegranate Lychee (my fav), and only counts for 100 calories in the ready to drink bottles and 50 calories in the on-the-go stick packs.  I’ve been using the on-the-go stick packs and absolutely love what I’m seeing.  It’s only been a week so far and I can already see a difference in my skin.  My skin feels smoother and I feel healthier!  How much more could I ask for?

So being the little scientist that I am, I had to do more research and see what exactly is in this wonderful concoction.  Here is what I found out:

• Apple Extracts- rich in polyphenols which is a powerful antioxidant
• Beta-Carotene- the precursor to Vitamin A which is key to fighting free radicals
• Cocoa Extract- a natural source of polyphenols which help to improve the skin’s texture and moisture level
• Coenzyme Q10- a natural antioxidant of the skin which works with Vitamin E to reinforce the skin’s natural protective antioxidant barrier against environmental danger
• Goji Berry Extract- a well-being botanical traditional to Chinese medicine that is packed with beneficial antioxidants
• Grape Seed Extract- a natural source of polyphenols that neutralize the destructive free radicals created by sun exposure
• Green and White Tea Extract- containing polyphenols called catechins which may keep the skin from becoming inflamed after exposure to the sun, increase the survival of skin cells, protect the skin’s structural integrity, and diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Lutein- a carotenoid antioxidant which decreases some of the harmful effects of free radicals
• Lycopene- another antioxidant carotenoid that is effective against singlet oxygen- a particularly pernicious type of free radical
• Maritime Pine Bark Extract- a natural source of antioxidant polyphenols which supports a healthy response to skin redness
• Pomegranate Extract- being one of the foods with the highest antioxidant levels on the planet, it provides powerful protection against free radicals
• Quercetin- a type of polyphenol that may inhibit the enzyme that degrades collagen, protect skin cells against free radicals formed from sun exposure, and even out skin tone
• Selenium- essential trace mineral that is a key component to one of the body’s primary antioxidant enzymes
• Vitamin C- essential nutrient for the production of collagen and a potent antioxidant that regenerates Vitamin E
• Vitamin E with Mixed Tocopherols- another essential nutrient that protects the skin’s moisture barrier and a powerful antioxidant that shields free radicals

Wow!  Jam-packed with all those goods, Glowelle definitely has a promising product.  I know I’m impressed!    Try it out for yourself and let me know what you think.

Until next time ladies…  xoxo

*clinical study and ingredient information provided by www.glowelle.com

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

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

Now there seems to be some controversy over whether or not drinking plenty of water is good for you skin.  Well I am here to tell you OF COURSE IT IS!!!  Since when is drinking water bad?  Now drinking plenty of water might not cure dry or dehydrated skin, but water can definitely help maintain a healthy complexion.  The skin is sort of a barometer of our health and you can definitely determine the overall health of a person just by looking at their skin.  When things aren’t going right on the inside, our skin screams out warning signs on the outside.  So paying attention to our skin runs deeper than just trying to look good.  It’s about feeling healthy as well!

Drinking water daily is important to our overall health because water is needed to assist in most of our bodily functions.  Water not only helps carry necessary nutrients throughout the body, it also assists in flushing out the harmful toxins as well.  For example, by helping to increase blood circulation and cleaning out the toxins, dark under eye circles and breakouts can be diminished.  In addition to transporting the good stuff and getting rid of the bad stuff, water also helps to maintain muscle tone, which in the face, prevents wrinkles and maintains suppleness.  And these are just a few examples of what water can do for the skin!

So what I’m basically trying to say is STAY HYDRATED!  And for those of you who can’t drink just plain water, sparkling water is fine too.  Just make sure you’re not drinking too many flavored waters with sugary syrups, as sugar triggers inflammation within the body eventually leading to wrinkles.  So if you have to, throw in a few fresh fruits to add your own healthy flavor.

Ok, so you’re probably wondering how all of this ties into BCB Eco-Fridays.  Well I have found the coolest eco-friendly water product out there!  SodaStream has created an at-home sparkling water machine that is popping up more and more at spas across the country.  Not only can you make your own bottled sparkling water in your very own home, you can adjust it to create your perfect amount of fizz!  How cool is that?  Even better, this gadget doesn’t require electricity or batteries.  Their products and bottles are completely recyclable, free of harmful toxins, and will save you from spending so much on individual bottles of water that you probably forget to recycle anyway.  Check out their website and learn more about SodaStream now.

Until next time…  xoxo