Epsom salt bath and DIY epsom salt therapy

Did you know that adding Epsom Salt to your bath can help you retain moisture, eliminate toxins, and relieve stress?

Epsom salt is often praised for its stress-relieving and healing properties. Cosmetologist Linda Ashbrook recommends soaking in Epsom salt for 20 minutes to relax tired muscles and soften dry skin after a stressful day in the sun. You can add drops of aromatherapy oil, such as lavender, to make the bath more relaxing. Personally, we like to add a Lush bath bomb and aromatherapy candles.

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Outside of taking an Epsom salt bath, there are other do-it-yourself recipes to utilize the healing properties of Epsom salt. Doctors say there are two ways to use Epsom salt to reduce itching and dryness caused by mild sunburn. This can be especially helpful for hard-to-reach places or spots you accidentally skipped over when applying sunscreen.

Relief from Mild Sunburn

1. Make a compress by soaking a cotton washcloth in cold water mixed with two tablespoons of Epsom salt per cup; then press to affected area.


2. Create a paste by mixing one teaspoon of Epsom salt into one cup of hot water and then chilling the solution in the fridge for 20 minutes.


3. Clean and pat dry the affected area, and then apply the paste.

Epsom Salt Shower Smoothie

Ingredients:

• 4 ounce Epsom Salt


• 4 ounce Coffee grounds


• 1 teaspoon Eucalyptus oil


• Sesame oil (enough to form smooth paste)

Instructions:

1. Mix Epsom Salt and coffee grounds in a medium-sized bowl, then add the oils and stir thoroughly until you have a smooth, not runny, paste.


2. Get in the shower, wet your skin and turn off the water. Use the palm of each hand to vigorously scrub your body, from neck to feet, for several minutes.


3. Rinse your body and enjoy your glow. Your skin should feel smooth and lifted.

Epsom Salt Soothing Facial Mask

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon Epsom Salt


• 1 tablespoon honey


• 1 tablespoon olive oil


• 3 drops lemon juice (if oily skin)

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients and apply to face.


2. Leave on for 5-10 minutes.


3. Rinse in a warm shower to wash away any impurities that have been drawn out from the Epsom salt.


4. Moisturize with lotion and enjoy soothed, smooth skin.

 

Here's our bath bomb playing clip:

Preview: Bath bomb and bath treatment blog post #lushcosmetics #epsom pic.twitter.com/BGswB4leLr

— Handmade Reviews (@handmadereviews) January 25, 2017

 

DIY pumpkin spiced salt scrub, bath bomb, body scrub

Fall is not about when the leaves change color, but when the coffee shops put out their signature pumpkin spiced everything. Some people avoid this basic Autumn ritual like the plague - but we like to give in to it. The pumpkin spices are bountiful during this time, so why not take advantage and make pumpkin spice a part of your beauty ritual? (And if you have a true aversion to pumpkin, check out these 5 DIY avocado beauty recipes.)

Here are 3 simple spa/bath soaps recipes you can make with ingredients you likely have at home.

[caption id="attachment_3853" align="aligncenter" width="620"] Pumpkin spice scrubs are best sealed in mason jars to keep their potency and freshness[/caption]

Pumpkin Spiced Epsom Salt Scrub

This three-ingredient salt scrub is exfoliating and moisturizing at the same time. If you don't have epsom salt, you can always use sugar and turn this into a sugar scrub.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Epsom salt


• ½ cup of pumpkin puree


• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

Directions:

1. Mix the pumpkin puree and Epsom salt together in a bowl until completely combined.


2. Stir in the teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice until blended.


3. If the scrub appears too runny, add more Epsom salt into the mixture until it has a thick, paste-like consistency.


4. Apply the scrub to skin in circular motions and let the mixture stand for one minute before rinsing with warm water.

[caption id="attachment_3854" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Pumpkin spiced bath bombs are adorable! Try this alternative recipe from Elle Sees[/caption]

Pumpkin Spiced Bath Bomb

Ingredients:

• ½ cup baking soda


• ¼ cup corn starch


• ¼ cup citric acid


• ¼ cup Epsom salt


• 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice


• ½ tbsp water


• ¼ tsp essential oil


• ½ tbsp coconut oil, melted


• Orange food coloring


• 2 plastic ornaments or spheres

Directions:

1. Add the dry ingredients in a medium-sized bowl and stir until combined. (Baking soda, corn starch, citric acid, Epsom salt, pumpkin pie spice.)


2. In a separate, smaller bowl, add all the wet ingredients and stir until combined. (Water, essential oil, coconut oil, food coloring.)


3. Slowly, add the wet ingredients to the dry ones, but only a little at a time. Stir between pours to prevent the wet and dry ingredients from reacting or fizzing. (This wouldn’t pose a risk, but you want to save that fizzing for when you drop it into your bath.)


4. Once all of the wet and dry ingredients are mixed together, it should have the consistency of wet sand. If it doesn’t look like it’s sticking, stir in ½ tsp of water at a time until you can press it between your fingers and it holds together.


5. Pack each half of the ornament with the bath bomb mixture. Make sure each half is filled to the top. Then press the two ornament halves together and set aside. Do the same thing with the second ornament.


6. Place both ornaments in the refrigerator overnight.


7. The next day, slowly open each ornament and remove the top and bottom halves.


8. Place in your next bath and enjoy!

[caption id="attachment_3850" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Pumpkin spiced salt scrub (photo courtesy of Consumer Crafts)[/caption]

Pumpkin Spiced Coffee Body Scrub

This body scrub has added coconut oil to moisturize the skin and ground coffee to tighten.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Epsom salt


• 1 cup freshly ground coffee


• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice


• ½ cup coconut oil

Directions:

1. Mix the Epsom salt, coffee grounds, and pumpkin pie spice in a medium bowl, then add the coconut oil and stir thoroughly until you have a paste.


2. Get in the shower, wet your skin and turn off the water.


3. Use the palm of each hand to vigorously scrub your body, from neck to feet, for several minutes.


4. Rinse your body with warm water. Your skin should feel smooth and lifted.

 

These pumpkin spice recipes are adapted from Carmen, a model from TRUE Model Management. Please leave a comment or shoot us a message if you find other adaptations that work better for your skin!

Nude ProGenius Omega Treatment Rescue Oil Review

ProGenius Omega Treatment Rescue Oil is an ultra-sheer, skin-saving oil that revives and smoothes skin texture with powerful antioxidant protection. ProGenius Omega Treatment Rescue Oil is all-natural, vegan, and made of Bakuchiol, coleus, rosemary and thyme extracts, and rose hip seed oil.

I have been using NUDE skincare products for years now and they have never failed me. Needless to say, I was ecstatic at the chance to try the ProGenius rescue oil. I've done my research and the heard stories of it reducing fine lines and brightening the skin. I've only began using it for a week, but the result has been instantaneous. My skin has been especially dry during these winter months with cold weather and harsh heaters. The oil almost immediately absorbs into my skin. I see my under eye looking brighter as soon as I massage it on. I'm supposed to use just two drops, but I greedily use a few more to lather throughout my face and lips.

[caption id="attachment_3613" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Nude ProGenius Omega Treatment Rescue Oil is featherweight formula features bakuchiol, nature’s answer to retinol, without the negative side effects. It helps repair and refine texture for satin, flawless skin. Purifying coleus root and organic rosemary extracts work to clarify the complexion and antioxidant-rich ingredients provide environmental protection, making this a true lifesaver for your skin.[/caption]

Interested in other NUDE skincare products? Check our previous Nude skincare collection review.

Disclosure: This post contains product(s) sent to me for PR consideration. All opinions are the honest opinions of the author only.

Brighten Naturally: Farmaesthetics Sweet Milk Facial Exfoliate

Bright, luminescent, and balanced complexion is difficult to achieve as one gets older. Some products brighten and the sacrifice of reducing moisture or causing breakouts. Personally, I am always on the lookout for skincare products that help achieve a youthful and radiant look whilst being gentle on my skin. Recently, I've found this gentle luxury in the Famaesthetics Sweet Milk Facial Exfoliate.

[caption id="attachment_3606" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Farmaesthetics Sweet Milk + Lavender Exfoliate[/caption]

When mixed with the Fine Herbal Cleanser, this herbal exfoliate promises to make a creamy, freshly fragrant lather that is easily applied, to remove tired skin cells. Gentle enough to use in daily cleansing, or apply weekly as a mask to further the effects of the milk's natural lactic acid to soften, brighten and revive the complexion.

I only had the exfoliate to work with, but I love lathering it onto my skin with some warm water. The scent is so sweet it leaves me feeling indulgent and quite honestly, a little guilty. The end result is a fresh looking face I haven't seen in years.

Farmaesthetics products are 100% natural, hypo-allergenic, non-irritating, and dermatological tested without animal testing. Unlike many natural products, these beauties have a certified shelf-life of 2 years from the date of opening.

[caption id="attachment_3607" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Farmaesthetics is made with natural ingredients that are gentle on the skin[/caption]

The Famaestheics Sweet Milk Facial Exfoliate Series comes in three different types:

• SWEET MILK & LAVENDER BUDS, to brighten & maintain a balanced complexion


• SWEET MILK & CHAMOMILE FLOWERS, for restoring the glow of health to sensitive complexions


• SWEET MILK & ORANGE PEEL, for balancing an oily or congested complexion

Disclosure: This post contains product(s) sent to me for PR consideration. All opinions are the honest opinions of the author only.

Valentine's Day Spa at Home: Mud Mask

Valentine's Day is rapidly approaching. It's a season of love and indulgence, whether it be chocolate or relaxation. Spa days don't have to be expensive and they don't even have to be with others. This valentine's day, or any day really, you should treat yourself to a relaxing and beautifying spa and facial.

Argan Oil Mud Mask is a luxurious face treat from 7th Heaven. It combines antioxidant-rich acai berries with ures vitamin-rich, hydrating and balancing pressed argan kernels, and squeezed rose hip to bring the most fatigued face back to life.

I've recently been treating myself with these masks weekly, during my bath time. Run some hot water, grab a book, and wear this beautifying mask. It leaves my skin looking renewed and refreshed. I like to combine the mask with my weekly skincare routine to keep my skin bright during the winter months. (Look forward to a tutorial featuring face masks and avocados next week.)

[caption id="attachment_3621" align="aligncenter" width="338"] Argan Oil Mud Mask[/caption]

These masks come in single-serve pouches; perfect for travel or one-time-use. These masks usually retail for $1.99 at your local Walmart, Bed Bath & Beyond, Harmon Discount and Kmart. I often find them on sale or with coupon codes. It's definitely worth looking into for your special spa day.

Avocado Beauty Recipes: 5 DIY Tips

Avocados are nutritious and delicious. No wonder this avocado hype has the world going crazy. Avocados are now in your salad, on your toast, in your dip - and on your face? Check out these five DIY beauty recipes and use avocado to naturally nourish and beautiful your body. You can use just one or all five of the recipes at once for the maximal use of your avocados.

Avocado Milk Facial Cleanser for gentle facial cleansing
Combine 1 beaten egg yolk with 1/2 cup milk and 1/2 peeled avocado.  Mash the mixture until it is thin and creamy. Use cotton swabs to apply to face, using gentle, circular motions. Rinse it off with warm water.

Avocado and Honey Facial Mask for eliminating dry skin
Mash together 1/2 mashed ripe avocado and 1/2 teaspoon of honey. Massage the avocado-honey mixture onto your face and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse the mask off with warm water, pat your face dry, and apply a gentle moisturizer.

Avocado and Aloe Eye Gel for eliminating tired or puffy eyes
Mash together equal parts avocado and pure aloe vera gel. Apply gently to the area under your eyes and leave it on for 15 minutes. Carefully rinse it off with water, avoiding contact with eyes.

Avocado and Oatmeal Hand Scrub for getting rid of rough hands
Combine and mash 1/4 of a peeled avocado, 1 egg white, 2 tablespoons oatmeal, 1 teaspoon lemon juice. Apply mixture to hands and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.

Avocado and Olive Oil Hair Mask for reversing dry or damaged hair
Mash together half of a ripe avocado, and half a teaspoon of olive oil. Massage the mixture into your hair. Put on a shower cap and leave the mixture in your hair for 30 minutes. Rinse it off with warm water and wash your hair as your normally do, with shampoo and conditioner.

Love DIY recipes? Check out the secret to get rid of blackheads with egg whites.

Three Affordable Summer Skincare: it Cosmetics, Ziaja, Coppertone

it Cosmetics No. 50 Serum Collagen Veil Anti-aging Primer

Prepping your skin well is probably foundation of good skincare. This it Cosmetics serum is not cheap by any means, but you only need a few drops of it at a time, making it a lasting and worthwhile investment. This No. 50 Serum Anti-Aging Collagen Veil Primer is a concentrated hydrating primer and serum infused with anti-aging peptides, collagen, niacin, essential lipid-rich oils, vitamins, extracts and botanicals. I've noticed a slight reduction in the appearance of pores after a few days usage. It is actually good for the skin in addition to being a great primer and base for daily makeup. If you're using a makeup primer that only gives the illusion of a primed face, you'll have to buy a separate moisturizer or serum to maintain nice skin. For this product, it is a two in one.

Ziaja Goat's Milk Skincare Set

You would think that my skin would be less dry in the summer months. Maybe it's the central air that dries out my skin or my blasé approach to skincare in the warmer weathers, but my skin lacks that moisture and glow that other beach goers often radiate. You have no idea how happy I was to be introduced to Ziaja goat's milk line. From the Goat's Milk skincare line, I have tried the Day Cream, Eye Cream, Night Cream, Body Balm, Body Butter and the Milk + Toner.

I am most grateful to this line of skincare due to it's neutral pH. Most skincare, face washes and even diets are heavily acidic leaning, leaving my skin's pH imbalanced. The Goat's Milk Day Cream is my current go to moisturizer. It's gentle and leaves my skin feeling supple. The best part about Ziaja brand? Everything they sell, from moisturizer to eye cream to toner and face wash is less than $10.

Summer Skin Care with Revercel Triple Duty Sunscreen

This summer, avoid retinol and harsh or abrasive exfoliants. In fact, avoid exfoliants and acidic face washes completely if you can do so. Exfoliation strips away the extra layer of dead skin cells that can serve to shield your skin from harmful rays. If you feel that your skin is not vibrant enough without the aid of exfoliants, replace your regular foundation with an extra dewey or moisturizing one instead. Be sure your foundation includes a high SPF to fight the harsh ultraviolet rays.

When looking at summer skincare, I prefer something like Revercel Triple Duty Sunscreen, a multipurpose sunscreen. Revercel Triple Duty also works as a sheer skin tint with peptide-powered anti-aging ingredients. This SPF 45 sunscreen protects the skin against sun damage and helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Revercel’s anti-aging complex is said to repair DNA damage, stimulate collagen production and control the balance of cytokines to delay the effects of premature aging.

The Revercel Triple Duty Skinscreen is simply packaged in a clean squeeze bottle.

Revercel Triple Duty Sunscreen provides slight coverage and tint to the skin.

I have not yet noticed any permanent skin tone restoring effect due to this sunscreen, but it works effectively as my summer sunscreen and skin tint. With the summer so hot and humid, I always prefer to keep my makeup to a minimum. The sheer tint works well enough to double as my foundation and sunscreen. And the anti-aging properties are always a plus even if it's not something I'm worried about at the moment. It feels good to know that what I am wearing for aesthetics is not only protecting my skin, but potentially repairing it as well.

New Aging Research Reveals How Color & Contrast Ages You!

Psychology Professor Richard Russel of Gettysburg College Revealed collaborated with researchers from Chanel Research and Technology to study skin related issues and facial appearance. Last week, Professor Russel revealed that his research found that the contrasting nature of facial features is one of the signals that people unconsciously use to decipher how old someone looks. It is an invisible sign of aging that no one can easily discern or point out, but it is prominently present.

As a face ages, the difference in redness between the lips and the surrounding skin decreases, as does the brightness difference between eyebrow and forehead. This is why lipsticks and highlighters work! Contrasting colors of eyes, hairs and other features can make one look youthful. (Young children and babies have brighter looking eyes and paler skin!)

The only difference between these two photos is that the left one has more color contrast. The lips have a little color added and some features are slightly darkened. No wrinkles or sunspots have been changed at all. The under eye circles and other aging signs remain the same, but the left one still looks younger because of the color contrast.

In one research experiment, Russell and his team measured images of 289 faces ranging in age from 20 to 70 years old, and found that through the aging process, the color of the lips, eyes and eyebrows change, while the skin becomes darker. This results in less contrast between the features and the surrounding skin -- leaving older faces to have less contrast than younger faces.¹

To sum it up, increase the contrast in your face to look younger without getting any work done! If you are a Photoshop-my-face kind of gal, increase that color contrast before you send your family photo newsletter out. Or simply add a touch of blush, lip color or anything that gives you a bit more color where age has robbed color from you.

This study isn't a reason to rush out and buy tons of makeup, but it is reassuring to know that some signs of aging can be slightly countered.

Red Carpet Beauty Essentials

What beauty products would you indulge in if you were to walk the red carpet? I recently got my hands on some beauty essentials great for glamorous events such as award and fashion shows!

Whether you are attending a fancy event, award show, fashion show or conventional party, your picture will probably be taken at one point or another - which is why a beautiful smile should be the most important concern. (I've had my fair share of cropping out unflattering outfits or hairstyles in photos, but the face and smile is not exactly something one can leave out!)

Rembrandt Deeply White + Peroxide 2 Hour Whitening Kit, Rembrandt Deeply White + Peroxide Mouthwash Rembrandt and Deeply White + Peroxide Toothpaste in Fresh Mint

As I will be attending a big event this Saturday, I have been very diligent with my teeth whitening routine. I'm usually quite lazy with it, but this set of Rembrandt Whitening Kit, Mouthwash and Peroxide Toothpaste has really inspired me to keep my teeth almost glaringly white. The combination of the mouthwash, whitening kit and toothpaste in the past week has left my teeth whiter than it has ever been. I'm actually really surprised that the effects were so noticeable by the end of just one week!

Three Skincare Favorites January 2013

I received this Amore Pacific moisturizer sample from Sephora a whole back and never got around to using it. I'm glad I have finally gotten to apply it because it's absolutely wonderful! It includes green tea, mushroom extracts, botanicals and the good things in life. The downside? The full size bottle costs hundreds.

This Aura Cacia Sweet Orange essential oil can be used for skincare, bath gel, etc. To make a refreshing mist, add 9 drops of the sweet orange oil, 9 drops lavender, and 1 oz water in a mister or spray bottle.

This Skindanavia Makeup Finishing Spray keeps showing up as a favorite month after month. I prefer very light makeup and almost no powder during the dry, brittle and cold winter months. A few spritz of this stuff keeps my makeup in place all day with no powder required. My skin ends up less dried and more nourished.

My router has been malfunctioning, so I am forced to blog on my phone. (Not quite easy a task as Apple would have one believe.) Once again, I am behind with all my email correspondences. Oops!

New Skincare September 2012

I have been traveling and working a lot, which has led to chaotic eating and sleeping habits. My skin has been suffering considerably. I feel like I've aged one or two years in just recent months. I am trying to take better care of my skin through regular exercise, supplements and plenty of water. I am also trying to find new skincare items to change up my regular routine a bit.

I've seen some new items that interest me, particularly the new Nude skincare line. I love the brand to death because their products are always top-notch. Apparently this new line can give your skin the ability to produce its own anti-aging ingredients. Has anyone tried these new products? Let me know if you think it is worth checking out.

I promise to get back to my regular posting schedule soon. I still have to finish up that mascara review and then show you my new hair care products and - haircut!

Protect Your Skin from Sun Damage Now!

I know what you're thinking at this point: There's no way she is writing about sunscreen - again. Well, yes I am. I have to emphasize to you the importance of sunscreen. It is more important than your daily moisturizer and definitely more valuable than your $300 anti-aging cream (which is probably just an overpriced moisturizer). This is why:

Photo is from the New England Journal of Medicine courtesy of Gizmodo.

Three Ways to Exfoliate to Fade Acne, Brighten Skin

Our bodies naturally shed dead skin cells from the outer layer of the skin. As we age, this natural process slows down, leading to a buildup of dead skin cells on the epidermis. This creates duller, rougher and less radiant looking skin. Regular exfoliation will encourage the removal of dead skin cells to reveal the newer, younger skin. It also reduce dullness, speed up skin recovery and help fade acne scars faster.


Even in my teenage years when my skin was at its best, I enjoyed exfoliation. It helps brighten the face and encourages skin turnover so that acne scars and pigmentation fade faster. I now rely on exfoliation to bring back youthful radiance whenever my skin begins to dull.

Karuna Brightening Treatment Mask, Euro 2012 Final

I am watching the Euro 2012 final between Spain and Italy right now and I am super excited! (Though I am fairly certain Spain will win.) Watching ESPN happily while lying on my coach with laptop by my side, I pamper myself with the Karuna Brightening Treatment Mask. That's my perfect Sunday.

Karuna Brightening Treatment Mask 

The Karuna Brightening Treatment Mask is by far the best cloth mask that I've ever tried (and I've reviewed quite a few cloth masks on this blog). The cloth is thin and adheres to the face very well. It holds more serum and liquid than most masks despite it's sheerness. Apparently the fiber cloth is a special, all-natural fiber that retains 50% more moisture than its synthetic counterpart, allowing pores to fully dilate and drink in the beneficial ingredients. I started this mask shortly after the Euro Final began. I just watched Spain score their 4th goal against Italy and this mask is still moist and cool! That's at least over an hour of intense moisture. 

Karuna Mask is thin and light but packed full of serum!

Somme Institute 5-Step Skincare Regimen

Somme Institute contains patented technology MDT5 (Molecular Dispersion Technology), a revolutionary protein/vitamin delivery system (A, B3, B5, C and E) which transforms the skin, thus improving its tone, texture and clarity while reducing the signs of aging (for all skin types).

The Somme Institute products sold at beauty salons and spas have always caught my eyes, but I never quite got a change to try them. Several weeks ago, I was offered the Somme Institute 5-Step Regimen to test and review. You can just imagine my excitement!

Step 1: Nourishing Cleanser (non-foaming/non-irritating)

The Nourishing Cleanser is a creamy, non-foamy cleanser. It is gentle, so be sure to user a makeup remover beforehand if you're trying to remove a lot of makeup.

Step 2: Transport (gentle exfoliant)

The Transport pads help to gently exfoliate the skin. I have sensitive skin, but can still manage to use it daily without irritation. I use this in combination of my weekly Clarisonic Mia / Sigma Polishing Tool exfoliation.

Radiant Skin for the Summer in 10 Steps

I always seem to let myself go during the winter time. This past winter has pretty much left my skin dry and completely dull. I've been trying to follow Dr. Murad's 10-step path to the new radiant you. These simple tips are supposed to naturally help the skin look and feel more radiant. We'll see! Please leave some good radiant skin tips below if you know any.

1. Get More Sleep
Sleep enables the body to reverse everyday free radical damage by replenishing energy, building new cells and repairing connective tissue. Because sleep is an ideal time for cellular renewal and overall repair for the skin and other organs, poor sleep is quite apparent in the complexion.

2. Think of Facials as a Necessity, Not a Luxury
Revitalizing skin, relaxing the mind, and improving your skin’s appearance are all benefits of a good facial. Facials feed the skin with nutrients that provide a boost to the complexion resulting in a radiant look.

3. Begin an Exercise Routine
Take up an activity that you enjoy and will stick with. Exercising regularly nourishes the skin with oxygen while sweating flushes out toxins.

4. You Are What You Eat
Food fuels your body and mind and when eating poor foods, it appears on your skin. Try eating foods that are rich in anti-oxidants, like pomegranates, which help fight free-radical damage.

5. Leave Work at Work
Make time for family, meeting up with friends, or just doing what you enjoy; your mental, physical and emotional health will improve and be reflected on your skin.

Sigma Spa Solutions Kit Review: Cleansing & Polishing Tools Attachments

This review is for the new attachment heads for the Sigma Cleansing & Polishing Tool. Click here to read the review for the original Sigma Cleansing & Polishing Tool.

The Sigma Spa Solution Kit contains three attachment heads for the Sigma Cleansing & Polishing Tool: Extra soft Brush, Massager and Exfoliator. You can also purchase the Spa Solutions Complete Kit ($59), which combines the Spa Solution Kit ($29) with the Cleansing and Polishing Tool with its three original soft, medium and firm brush heads ($39). If you don't already own the original tool, I would recommend getting the complete kit as it is $9 cheaper and the new brushes make it totally worth the price.

Now, you know my original complaint with the Sigma Cleansing & Polishing Tool is that even the softest brush head was a little too tough for everyday use. The Spa Solution Kit contains an Extra-Soft Brush recommended for gentle cleansing of extra-sensitive skin. (It is a silicone-based brush.) I definitely agree that this new brush will be good for even the most sensitive of skin. Even when I break out, I can safely use it all over my face without inducing any pain. 

Stay Tan this Winter: Bronzers, Self-Tanners, Sprays

Ah, Winter - the season of beautiful snowfalls, cute scarves, mittens and adornments. It's also a season that leaves some of us cold, sunless, and helplessly pale. If you want some quick color without the major health risks, skip the tanning beds and lather on some self tanners or bronzers instead. Some simple radiation-less tanning methods include bronzer, gradual self tanner, instant self tanner, and tanning spray.

Bronzer, Gradual Self Tanner, Instant Self Tanner

Bronzer
Pros: Instant and immediate color, easy to correct or wipe off.
Cons: Most rub off too easily or are too obviously artificial.
Gradual Self Tanner
Pros: Gradual and usually more natural, easier to maintain through daily use.
Cons: Must use daily or at least very often to maintain color, difficult to see mistakes since the color changes gradually.
Instant Self Tanner
Pros: One application can last several days, many markets for great products.
Cons: Difficult to correct for blotches or mishaps.
Tanning Spray
Pros: A professional can make your tan look natural and can even customize the colors to the contour of your body.
Cons: Salons are costly and it is difficult to spray tan oneself.

Of course, a pro of all of these methods is that there is no risk of skin cancer from radiation like that of the sun or tanning beds. (A con is that most of them smell like chemicals.) If you opt to avoid the sun completely, however, be sure to get your vitamin D supplements.

My thoughts on some sunless tanning products I've used:

Sephora and Urban Outfitters Haul: Clarisonic, BDG

I promise to get back to a regular posting schedule soon. For now, I'll leave you with a quick update on my recent purchases. I know I'm on a makeup ban, but my clothes have been raggedy and my skin has been misbehaving, so I thought I'd have a little Winter treat. (And excuse the poor lighting but my town hasn't seen the sun in days.)

I ordered from Sephora the Clarisonic Mia in pink. They have just released a new one, but I decided that I don't really need to pay $30 extra for an additional speed option that I probably wouldn't use. I've only used the Mia for two days so I can't say I see much of a difference, but I like it already. The size is very convenient for travel. The vibration is a little louder than expected, but I love the feel of it on my skin.

Included with my purchase were three sample packets and two deluxe samples.

What really sold me onto ordering on the Sephora website were the deals they offered. I don't care much for the three sample packets that they always included with my order, but this time around they also offered two deluxe samples. I picked a Bobbi Brown eye cream and the Too Faced Shadow Insurance. I ran out of the Shadow Insurance last month and had no intention of picking up a new one any time soon, so it's nice to be able to carry a small one with me in my bag. I have never tried the Bobbi Brown eye cream before, but I'm looking forward to it. It appears very thick and creamy - plus there seems to be a lot of it!