October - Breast Cancer Awareness Month !

In honor of breast cancer awareness month, I want to talk about a very special deodorant that is a great natural alternative to what we are using today.

"Crystal® is the world's leading all-natural mineral salt deodorant for a reason. It works to prevent odor while other products attempt to mask it or plug pores with aluminum chlorohydrate or aluminum zirconium. Crystal is safe, healthy and totally effective"

I started using this product shortly after I read an article linking ingredients in anti perspirant with breast cancer. Now I don't want to get into a debate about how much truth there is behind this theory but knowing that there is an alternative that is natural and effective is enough for me to give it a try.

At first I purchased the actual stone. The way you apply it is by running it under water and rubbing it against the skin. Although effective I just couldn't wrap my head around the sensation of the stone. It just didn't feel like there was anything going on.. Even though it was .. I know its strange but we are creatures of custom and sometimes we need something that is familiar so that's where the roll on comes in.

The roll on is the same exact product as the stone but its already diluted for you and put into a presentation that is easy to use and familiar to most of us already.

In regards its effectiveness , I am really impressed by the results. The product itself is completely odor free and It keeps you dry and odor free all day ! It's just as effective as my dove without the stickyness or white marks left on my clothes.

You can find this product at any drug store and recently Walmart started carrying it too. The average cost is about 3-4 bucks and 1 bottle will last you about 3 months. During my last trip to Walmart I saw they have a new line with some fragrance. Personally I like that it has no fragrance just don't be fooled into using more than normal because it feels like water.. The stuff really works and you only need a swipe or two to get the best results. In my opinion these will be the best couple of bucks you will spend on yourself.

If you are using or have tried this product I would love to hear your thoughts

Until next time

Karen

" FAVORITE THINGS " Part 1

Hello everyone !

It's been a long long time since my last post. 8 months went by in a blink of an eye ! Where have I been.. WORKING WORKING WORKING. That is the story of my life. BUT that doesn't mean I haven't been testing a great variety of products and as you know, I don't recommend anything unless I believe it 100%.

Last night I was watching season 25 on Oprah's new channel and it happened to be on episode of this years " OPRAH'S FAVORITE THINGS" So I think it's a good idea to being my comeback with a list of my own.

Because I love everyone product so much I have decided to do a post for each. Come back each week for a new one !

Now let's jump in and start with the most important tool that you will ever use on your face and by far the one thing EVERY woman should have....

THE CLAROSONIC PLUS - AKA: THE MIRACLE WORKER

This is the kit I purchased from QVC . It included the Clarosonic and products from Philosophy.



The clarosonic is the ultimate face cleansing tool. For me this has become the foundation of my skin care routine. The concept behind it is very simple. Start with clean skin and everything you put on after will work better.
I have been using the Clarosonic for 6 months every night with the Philosophy cleanser that came with my kit. Let me just say real quick that this will work with ANY cleanser is your favorite, I just so happen to have an 8oz bottle of the PURITY cleanser so that is what I have been using. The Purity cleanser is a great cleanser but too expensive for my taste. There are plenty of other cleansers out there that cost less and are just as good. So moving on to the star of the show.. The Clarosonic.

In the 6 months I have been using this heaven sent tool, my skin has changed in way I have never imagined. I believe its a combination of the deep cleansing and that now my products are working as they should. The Claronic uses sonic waves to deeply cleanse your skin. On the skin it feels like a massage and although it's not an "exfoliator" per say, team this up with your favorite face scrub and it gives you spa quality results . Speaking of SPA's that is where I actually meet the Clarosonic, at the famous FOUR SEASON SPA In Miami. I got a fantastic facial and they used the Claronic PLUS on me and when I was done I was determined to get one of my own. The Clarosonic PLUS is a professional quality tool that has a built in timer and different speeds ( you can get it on QVC.com ). The Claronic Plus comes automatically programmed for a 60 second routine ( 40 on forehead, t-zone chin and 10 seconds on each cheek ) at speed 1. I have sensitive skin so I have not changed the speed but you can change it to your hearts desire. This is what makes the Claronic PLUS so great.

In 6 months I have seen: ( in combination with a good moisturizer )
A dramatic reduction in fine lines ( especially a pretty deep one I had on my forehead.. it's almost GONE )
My skin in supple and softer than ever
and most important... I no longer need the heavy creams I had become dependent on using. I am now good with
a light moisturizer ( I am using the HOPE IN A JAR by Philosophy which also came in the kit )
I no longer need the RETINOL nor the heavy night creams I had previously been using. In short, because I no longer need it. My skin is better than ever.
No more dry patches,No more big pores, No more flaky or oily skin. My skin is balanced and blemish free.

For all your makeup lovers I have good news for you ! As you know when you start with clean, smooth skin your makeup will go on smoother and give you a great finish. But one thing that I learned.. that thanks to my Clarosonic I need LESS makeup ! I can now get my foundation done with about 1/2 as much product as before.
My use of concealer has reduced to pretty much only those "times of the month" when I have something to hide. My current bottle of foundation has lasted me about 6 months !! Unbelievable !

So when it's all said and done you will actually SAVE money buying this machine. Now I have seen some imitations out there such as Olay one. DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY. Nothing compares to the real thing.
Only the Clarosonic has the sonic techonology that is key to what makes this work.
The Claronic Plus will cost about usd 200.00 dollars. ( don't fall of your chair just yet )
There is a smaller version called the Clarosonic MIA that is half as much. But I suggest if you can make this one time Splurge and buy the PLUS, it's worth every cent.As an added bonus the PLUS comes with a Body Brush that is great for all self tanners and also for those who enjoy a body good body exfoliation from time to time. I personally like to use it on by chest, arms and legs at least once a week ( if you use it on your bikini area it will help prevent razor bumps)

If you are a professional makeup artist, you have to have this in your kit, no exeptions ! This will give you the perfect canvas to make that ultimate face.

I hope this have been a good introduction to the Clarosonic and I hope you give it a try.

Up next time my new favorite skin care product to use in combination with CLAROSONIC -
The Kiehls Midnight Recovery Concentrate- Throw out all those creams, retinols, AHA ... this is the last skin care product you will ever need !

Until next time

Karen G.