Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat Luminizing Pen: The Number One Staple of My Make Up Kit

Yves St Laurent Touche Eclat Radiant Touch Luminizing Pen #2

The first thing I reach for when I am applying my make up each day is my Yves St Laurent Luminizing Pen.  I kid you not, it makes all the difference in the world. I use it under my eyes, on my forehead creases, and always on the deep lines between my nose and mouth.  I have tried other cheaper "pens", but they could not deliver by erasing lines, brightening, or helping under eye problems.  Other luminators can make the creases in your face worse.  But this pen leaves no trace.   So I cough up the forty bucks because it is worth it...but on the bright side, it usually lasts me 8 to 9 months.   For something that good, that lasts that long, I consider it affordable.  

  What it is:  A luminizing pen that brings light and radiance to the skin, immediately erases any signs of fatigue, and brightens the complexion.   Seriously....the first time I put this on in a department store, I literally saw the nasolabial fold lines between the nose and mouth DISAPPEAR!

What it does:  Loved by models, makeup artists, celebrities, and women everywhere, the award-winning Yves Saint Laurent TOUCHE ECLAT Radiant Touch is like eight hours of sleep and an instant pick-me-up in a magic wand. With a few strategically placed strokes of TOUCHE ECLAT, the complexion immediately looks rested, rejuvenated, and radiant.

What else you need to know:  TOUCHE ECLAT banishes shadows and tired-looking eyes by adding light and creating an instant lift to the eye area. TOUCHE ECLAT widens eyes when used between the eyebrows and along the sides of the nose, and creates fuller looking lips when used in the hollow of the chin and around the contour of the lips. It's formulated for all skin types and for anyone who wants instant radiance, luminosity, and lift. 

They have different colors to order. I've tried #1 and #2, and prefer #2 (I have medium skin tone).  I was told by the a YSL rep that #2 is the most popular color. 

You can order your pen from many site on the internet, or go to your local Sephora store!

Let me know how you like it!

Extra Virgin Organic Coconut Oil: Nature's Miracle

Extra Virgin Organic Coconut Oil

I can't recommend this stuff highly enough.  It seems like the more I read about it, the more I find benefits inside and out.  Scientific studies are continually showing us that oils are necessary for our health, and Extra Virgin Organic Coconut Oil's molecular structure is such that it provides more health benefits than any other oil.

Here is the long list of benefits:

• Reduces risk of atherosclerosis, heart disease and related illnesses.
• Reduces risk of cancer and other degenerative conditions.
• Helps prevent bacterial, viral, and fungal (including yeast) infections.
• Supports immune system function.
• Helps prevent osteoporosis.
• Helps control diabetes.
• Promotes weight loss.
• Supports healthy metabolic function.
• Provides an immediate source of energy.
• Supplies fewer calories than other fats.
• Supplies important nutrients necessary for good health.
• Improves digestion and nutrient absorption.
• Has a mild delicate flavor.
• Is highly resistant to spoilage (long shelf life).
• Is heat resistant (the healthiest oil for cooking).
• Helps keep skin soft and smooth.
• Helps prevent premature aging and wrinkling of the skin.
• Helps protect against skin cancer and other blemishes.
• Functions as a protective antioxidant.
• Helps prevent periodontal disease and tooth decay.
• Helps protect against kidney disease and bladder infections.
• Dissolves kidney stones.
• Helps prevent liver disease.
• Is lower in calories than all other fats.
• Supports thyroid function. 
• Kills viruses that cause influenza, herpes, measles, hepatitis C, SARS, AIDS, and other illnesses.
• Kills bacteria that cause ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections, gum disease and cavities, pneumonDoes not contain cholesterol.
• Does not increase blood cholesterol level.
• Does not promote platelet stickiness that leads to blood clot formation.
• Does not contribute to weight problems.
• It is not hydrogenated

If you would like to see more detailed info on Extra Virgin Organic Coconut Oil (EVOCO) you can check out this website: http://www.coconutresearchcenter.org/

Something you should know is that EVOCO comes in a solid form, and will turn into "oil" only when it it is heated to 76 degrees. This allows it to have a longer shelf life.  You can melt it over a stove or in the microwave before using.

These are some of the ways I use EVOCO in my life:

1. I use a tablespoon in the pan when making popcorn.  It does not leave a coconut taste on the popcorn, but I get the health benefit.
2. I use the oil on any part of my body that needs extra moisturizing, including my face, my feet and as a conditioner for my hair.
3. I use it when baking to cut down on the use of butter.  If the recipe calls for 1/2 cup of butter, I use 1/4 cup butter, and 1/8 cup of EVOCO.  (I use less coconut oil than what the recipe says for the butter equivalent.) 
4. I melt a tablespoon in a pan and pour it over vanilla (or better yet, Häagen-Dazs pineapple/coconut ice cream).  The oil mixes with the ice cream and gets a thin hard shell over it, and it is beyond delicious!
5. The flavor is mild and not overpowering, so sometimes I just like to eat a spoonful out of the jar!

A couple of important things:

• you need to buy it in a container that does not expose it to light or it will lose its potency
  
• you want to make sure it is "organic" so that no pesticides will be in it
• and you want to make sure it is "extra virgin", so that the healthy fats will be available

EVOCO can be found in your local health food store, or you can order it online. I use the Jarrow brand.