I’m a huge fan of the CLARISONIC Skin Care System. Made by the company that brought us the Sonicare toothbrush system, this little gem deeply cleanses, stimulates and clarifies the skin using any nonabrasive facial cleanser.

Clarisonic Skin Care system

I’ve been using the Clarisonic for over a year now, and here are just a few reasons why I’m a big fan:

1. The design is waterproof. I keep mine on a shelf in the shower, taking it out only when I need to clean or re-charge it.
2. One charge will last for at least 30 uses.  Officially, that means I only need to recharge it every few weeks, but I’ve found that it actually lasts much longer.
3. It’s travel friendly. I can tuck it into my suitcase when I leave on a trip, and because the charge lasts a long time, I don’t need to pack the charging unit.
4. Compatible with any nonabrasive facial cleanser.  I’ve been searching for the perfect facial cleanser, and one of my requirements is that it be Clarisonic-friendly.
5. Unclogs pores with the oscillating brushes. This will save bundles on professional facials, and while I love having them, there are practical budgetary concerns.
6. Deep cleaning, yet gentle. Skin feels healthy and glowing after use, and I use it every day.
7. Reduces problem areas of skin including blemishes, and dry and oily patches.  I don’t have a huge problem with this, but it’s something to keep in mind.
8. Doesn’t strip skin of natural moisture. My skin is dry and abused further by working in a dry environment. I need to clean my face without losing even more moisture.
9. Takes no time at all to use. I keep it in the shower to use every morning while conditioner is soaking into my hair. Easy and fast means that you’ll actually use it.
10. Timer can be set so you use it the appropriate amount of time.  I trusty little device that makes sure you use it long enough to have maximum benefit.
11. Two brush options, normal and sensitive, so you can choose what’s right for your skin type and condition.  I haven’t noticed much difference, but if you have sensitive skin you may want to take this into consideration.
12. Serums and moisturizers absorb better after using it.  I need every fighting chance that I can get to help that moisturize soak in and help out my drying skin.
13. Improves skin texture, and helps minimize small lines.
14. My skin looks and feels better, and I get lots of compliments on how I look. Most people are surprised to learn that I’m much older than they’d guess. (And this reason alone may be the most important of all!)

The Clarisonic, and replaceable brushes are available at leading beauty counters.  For the price of one facial (maybe one and a half), you can have this product at home to use every day. It will pay for itself in nothing flat.

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Between my maturing skin and the environment that I work in, fighting the battle with dry skin often seems like a losing proposition.  I count my lucky stars that I’ve discovered products that manage the problem, although nothing I’ve discovered has quite eliminated it.

L’Occitane has natural beauty products that are developed and made in the small town of Manosque in Provence.  Drawing on Mediterranean inspiration, these are products designed with a love of the land, tradition, and with sustainable development in mind.  The company has made a strong commitment to being socially responsible and that mean you can enjoy products that are good for you – and for everyone and everything else, too. 

Making this point, is the L’Occitane sustainable development program in Burkina Faso around the production of shea butter.  The company also supports literacy and support for women in developing countries, the fight against blindness, and the preservation of threatened traditional cultivations.

You can support a great company and some great causes, while still saving a ton of money, during the Winter Sale.  Select products are up to 50% percent, including some of my favorites:

• Olive Paste for Hair – Great for all types of hair as a daily condition or as a weekly treatment.  Sale priced $13.50.
• Honey & Lemon Tartlet Gloss – Keeps your lips nourished with a little bit of shine with it’s shea butter and honey formula.  Sale priced $6.
• Citrus Verbena Fizzy Bath Salts – Scoop up a combinations of sugar and salt and turn your bath into an energizing experience.  Sale priced $11.
• Bonne Mere Soap – Honeysuckle is my favorite choice among these all-natural soaps, with Milk running a very close second.  They smell good, and leave my skin feeling clean and moisturized.  Sale priced $3.50.
• Shea Ultra Rich Body Cream – With a very high concentration of shea butter, this is a miracle worker at making my skin feel a little less like a crocodile.  It protects and rejuvenates the skin, and while it’s incredible rich, it is quickly absorbed and not greasy.  The 14.1 ounce size is sale priced at $49.

There are a lot more wonderful items that are greatly reduced, so turn yourself loose to stock up.  With each order you’ll receive a free sample set, free gift wrapping kit, and the popular boutique gift card.  For a limited time, you’ll also receive FREE standard shipping on all orders over $40.

Click on the ad above to start your shopping!

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I’m not sure when my skin noticed the dramatic weather change, but all of a sudden my winter skin in here.  And it’s not all good!

My lips are dry, flaking, and I even found myself chewing on that loose bit of skin in the middle of my bottom lip.  That is so NOT good!

I’ve been lathering on a variety of lip balms, but it hasn’t really made a difference.

Today, though, I rummaged through a basket where I toss in my product samples and found the Emulsion Lip Exfoliant from Smashbox.  It’s been in the basket for awhile, just waiting for the perfect opportunity for me to give it a try.

I squeezed out a bit of the emulsion and rubbed into into my lips, hoping it would get off all that dead stuff that’s been lingering around.  Made of poppy seeds and sugar granules, with a little peppermint thrown in for good measure, I immediately noticed a tingling sensation and the peppermint-y taste. 

Massaging it into my lips, it felt tingly and good – grainy, but still a little moisturizing.  And, I figured if it worked as good as it tasted, I’d be pretty happy.  After leaving in on my lips for a few second, I washed it off with a wet washcloth. 

How did it work?  Well, a good deal of the flakes were gone, although my lips still felt pretty dry.  Still, it was a noticeable improvement, enough so for me to give it another try tomorrow. 

After exfoliating the lips, smooth on some of your favorite lip balm or other lip treatment.  It will make a great primer for your lipstick, or a nice moisturizer if you’re leaving your lips bare.

Emulsion Lip Exfoliant is available directly from Smashbox, or from your favorite beauty store.  $18.

Image credit:  Smashbox

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A chance encounter with a great smelling guy has me totally loving this scent from Versace.  It claims to be a fresh interpretation of the original Versace Man fragrance.

The overall scent is smooth fruits spiced with green leaves and warm notes of musk, amber, and sycamore wood.  That makes it sound a lot more deep and woodsy than it actually is, though. 

The additional notes of white lemon, rosewood, carambola, tarragon, cedar leaves, and clary sage mellow its earthiness, making it a fresh and clean scent.  Yet very sexy!

Buy a bottle for a special guy.  Available where fine fragrances are found, and online at Sephora.  A 1 ounce Eau de Toilette spray is $36.

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There are some stores that no matter how often I stop into, there is always something new that I have to buy.  Or, an old favorite that I simply must stock up on.

Lush is one of those stores.

I first discovered Lush on a layover and, at the time, there was only one store that was convenient for me to go to.  I’d pick up a layover just to stock up on product, buy gifts, and feed my fix for a few months until I could get back again.

I love the displays of their delicious smelling hand-made bath products.  Besides being al natural, with no animal testing, they all smell pretty damn fantastic!

Lush now has stores in more places than you can shake a stick at (check the website for countries and location), and many products can be purchased online.  Perishable products usually cannot be shipped, however.

While they offer a variety of products (skin care, hair products, deodorants, etc.), the bath products are still my favorites.  And I love the soap that is just cut for you right off the block.

My personal recommendations:  Karma bath bombs (orange and spices), creamy candy bubble bar (vanilla and lots of sugar), rock star soap (smells a little bit like bubble gum), and almond butter buttercream (almond and citrus).

Lush makes life a little easier most days.

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