You'll Love the Way You Smell: All Natural Hazelnut Vanilla Lotion

Giovanni Hydrate Body Lotion:  Hazelnut Vanilla

A friend turned me on to this lotion about a year ago, and I'm HOOKED!  I am not a coffee lover, but whenever someone is brewing a pot of Hazelnut Vanilla coffee, I think it is one of the most engaging scents.   And this lotion smells just like a freshly ground pot of Hazelnut Vanilla coffee....all over your body.   Giovanni has a great line of natural products, free of sulfates and parabens...they get it.  So you can feel good about what you're putting on your skin....as well as have people want to stand close to you. :-)

I buy this product at a local discount store called Savemart, which is not a national chain...so for those of you not near that store, here is a link to Giovanni's website that lists retailers that carry their products: http://www.giovannicosmetics.com/locator.php.  You may want to take a look at the packaging of the bottle to make it easier to spy at the store.  When you find it, unscrew the top and take a whiff...it's a little slice of heaven that will make your day.  Yes, you are going to pay a little more for this product, anywhere from $7 to $8, but for me it is totally worth it for both the peace of mind of the ingredients and the amazingly awesome scent.  If you can't find it anywhere in a store, you can order it from Amazon or vitacost.com. 

As always, if you try it, let me know what you think.  I'd love your feedback.

Take Care! 

A One-Two Punch: Tea Tree Oil

Tea Tree Oil

Tea Tree Oil's one-two punch comes from the fact that it is  both Anti-Viral AND Anti-Bacterial...killing both virus and bacteria in one punch.  (It is also an anti-fungal). I don't think there is anything better to keep your home and your skin clean and free of germs.  I use it (diluted) on any fledgling break outs on my face, but I use it the most in spray bottles to kills germs and freshen the air in my home....I spray my kitchen garbage can, keep a spray bottle by the commode, spray my mattress and sheets, my tub and sinks, I clean my toothbrush with it every so often, and use it as a bug repellent. I'm always thinking of some new use for it. You can pick it up at your local health store, or order it online.

Historically, Tea Tree Oil was used in World War I and II (before antibiotics were invented) to stave off infections.   Wikipedia has this to say, "Tea tree oil has beneficial medical properties when applied topically, including antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral action, and is also believed to have beneficial cosmetic properties. Tea tree oil is best used diluted.  It should not be ingested"   ‌http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tea_tree_oil

Here is a list of just some of uses for Tea Tree Oil:

1. Use a diluted dab to treat acne.
2. An anti-fungal for treating Athlete’s Foot, eczema, various yeast infections, etc.
3. An antiseptic to be used on cuts and burns.
4. An anti-viral: it may lessen the symptoms of colds and flu. Try using a few drops in the bath...or a vaporizer to loosen chest congestion (and it keeps the water sterile).
6. Use a tea tree oil rinse to control dandruff and dry scalp.
7. To freshen the air combine 12 drops of tea tree oil in 2 cups of water in a spray bottle.
8. To disinfect, add a few drops to dishwasher dispenser
9. A few drops added to each load of laundry to leave your clothes smelling cleaner.
10. Control mold with a tea tree oil/water spray.
11. To keep germs at bay, spray it on high chairs, car seats, and other high traffic spots.
12. 15 drops in a quart of water can be an effective insect repellent.  Be sure to take some with you when hiking and camping to put directly on insect bites or blisters.
13. Use a drop or two to clean your toothbrush
14. Spray on mattresses and sheets to kill dust mites.

***Please Note:  Tea tree oil should be diluted a bit before placing directly on skin, and should not be ingested.

Boi-ing Concealer by Benefit

Boi-ing Concealer by Benefit

I have been using this concealer for over 8 years, and haven't found anything that compares to it.  I mainly use it to cover up blemishes or break outs.  From talking with different make up artists, I have found that concealer #2 (medium) is usually the best color for most people...I know it is for me.  It is a quality product that stays put until you wash it off.

Recently a good friend came to visit me, and we were putting on our make up together getting ready to go out to hear some music.  She was lamenting a recent break out spot, and I said to her, "I can make that magically disappear".  I put some concealer on my finger and dabbed it on her face, and she was astonished that you could no longer see the break out...that's how well it works.  Needless to say, she is a believer and user now.

If you want to give it a try it for yourself, you can go to Sephora and try some of the tester they have there.  Don't be put off by the price...my concealer usually lasts me from 18 months to 2 years.  I consider that worth the price, especially for all of the grief it saves me when I need to cover something up!