Cocoa Butter Body Scrub

The Bottom Line

The Body Shop: Cocoa Butter Body Scrub is a fantastic creamy body exfoliator with a light cocoa butter scent. Use a couple times a week to ensure soft smooth skin. Packaged in a tub, you can either just scoop with your hand, or get a spatula to make it easier.

Pros

• A creamy scrub that won't leave your skin oily at all.
• With moisturizing cocoa butter, you'll not only get an exfoliation, but moisture as well.
• Ground almonds, rice, salt and organic sugar makes it an excellent exfoliator.
• Smells exactly like cocoa.
• Community Trade cocoa butter comes right from Ghana.

Cons

• Packaged in a tub, it's hard to scoop out and water can pool on top of the product.

Description

• Creamy scrub used to exfoliate your body a couple times a week.
• Crushed almonds, rice, salt and organic sugar exfoliates your skin.
• Community Trade Cocoa Butter, sunflower seed oil, almond oil, coconut oil, soy oil moisturize your skin.

Guide Review - The Body Shop: Cocoa Butter Body Scrub

Cocoa Butter Body Scrub by The Body Shop is one of my must-have body scrubs. In fact, it's in my shower as we speak. If you are a fan of cocoa butter products, this one will not let you down. With fine grain rice and almonds mixed with organic sugar and salt, your skin gets a great exfoliation. Jam-packed with cocoa butter and oils, your skin will feel smooth and soft.

You can use this skin on your entire body from the neck down. Take a scoop full of scrub and rub it gently in a circular motion to slough off dead skin cells and boost circulation. Exfoliate before you shave your legs, and you'll be guaranteed a smoother shave.

This exfoliator gets rave reviews. On makeupalley.com, 76 users gave this a 4.6 out of 5.0 "lippies" and 89% would purchase again. At $20 for the large tub, some people feel the price is a bit high. If you do some research however, you'll see that this falls right in the range of middle of the road body care products. You can spend less money on a scrub, but with the Community Trade (Fair Trade) ingredients, this is a feel good purchase. The Cocoa Butter comes direct from the Kuapa Kokoo company in Ghana.

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Professional Hair Removal Conference 2012

The 10th annual Professional Hair Removal Conference will be held March 3 - 5 in Miami Florida at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

Some topics covered:

? Laser Technology Updates & Safety
? Networking Techniques for the 21st Century
? OSHA Compliance in 2012
? Technology Updates & Safety for Electrology
? Growing Your Business
? Proper Etiquette with Today's Clients

A three day ticket is $325, but the price goes up to $350 if registering after February 10th, 2012. For more information, see phrconline.com

View the original article here

Latest Review: Yes to Blueberries: Cleansing Facial Towelettes

We love facial cleansing cloths and try new ones whenever we can. We picked up the Cleansing Facial Towelettes from the Yes to Blueberries line and couldn't wait to try them.? There's something about? blueberries and the pretty purple package that made us bee-line straight to them.

The bag has 40 cloths in them, which is a great amount for the price.? Come check out our review of Yes to Blueberries: Cleansing Facial Towelettes to see if we'll buy them again.

Image courtesy PriceGrabber

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10 Body Lotions with SPF

We've all been asking for it for years, and the beauty industry is finally listening. The best thing to happen to lotions is body lotions with SPF. Who wants to slather on a simple sunscreen when you can get your SPF protection in your lotion? Use one of these body lotions with SPF after your morning shower and you'll start your day protected from the sun. (Don't forget to reapply!)

Here are 9 body lotions with sunscreen ranging in protection from SPF 15 to SPF 30. Many of these are available at your drugstore, but we threw in a few splurge-worthy products as well.

Alba Botanica: Very Emollient Body Lotion Daily Shade Formula SPF 16

Image courtesy PriceGrabber

Alba Botanica: Very Emollient Body Lotion is a combination of aloe vera, green tea and chamomile extracts mixed with plant emollients, vitamin E and AHA's. Your skin will be hydrated, protected from the sun and even get a bit of exfoliation from the AHA's. Currently priced under $15.

Active Sunscreen Ingredients: Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Oxybenzone.

Eucerin: Everyday Protection Body Lotion SPF 15

Image courtesy PriceGrabber

Eucerin: Everyday Protection Body Lotion SPF 15 is particularly good for those with very dry skin. It's a great every day lotion that you can find at nearly all drugstores and has broadband (UVA/UVB) protection. It is currently priced around $10.

Active Sunscreen Ingredients: Homosalate, Octinoxate, Octisalate, Titanium Dioxide.

Olay: Definity Correction Protective Body Lotion SPF 15

Image courtesy PriceGrabber

Olay: Definity Correction Protective Body Lotion SPF 15 is right for you if you're looking for a skin lightening product. Those with sun spots, sometimes known as age spots will particularly like this lotion. It contains a small amount of mica for a healthy glow. It's currently priced around $25.

Active Sunscreen Ingredients: Octisalate, Avobenzone, Ensulizole, Octocrylene.

Lubriderm: Daily Moisture SPF 15

Image courtesy PriceGrabber

Priced under $9, Lubriderm: Daily Moisture SPF 15 is another budget-friendly product from a brand that definitely knows how to take care of dry skin. It has SPF 15, and is known for its non-greasy feeling. Again, this product is available at most drugstores.

Active Sunscreen Ingredients: Octinoxate, Octisalate, Oxybenzone.

Aveeno: Daily Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 15

Aveeno: Daily Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 15 feels like you're putting on your favorite lotion, leaving no hint of white sunscreen and barely a hint of sunscreen smell on your skin. Aveeno's lotions are known for hydrating beautifully, and this is no exception.

Juice Beauty: Green Apple Body Moisturizer SPF 20

Image courtesy PriceGrabber

If you're looking for organic ingredients, Juice Beauty: Green Apple Body Moisturizer SPF 20 might be for you. With 95% organic ingredients in their 100% vegetarian formula, this is a treat for your skin.

Also, its main sunscreen ingredient is Titanium Dioxide, a non-chemical sunscreen for those looking for that in a sunscreen. But it does come at a splurge-worthy price of right around $30 for 10 ounces.

Active Sunscreen Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide.

Vaseline: Daily Skin Shield Protective Body Lotion SPF 15

Image courtesy PriceGrabber

Vaseline: Daily Skin Shield Protective Body Lotion SPF 15 is your best budget-friendly body lotion with SPF protection. It's under $6 and available almost everywhere you'd buy beauty products.

Along with moisture and sun protection, you'll find anti-oxidants in this bottle, which will help aid your fight against aging skin.

Active Sunscreen Ingredients: Not found online.

Kiehl's: Creme de Corps Light-Weight Body Lotion SPF 30

Image courtesy PriceGrabber

Kiehl's: Creme de Corps Light-Weight Body Lotion SPF 30 contains Jojoba Butter, Olive Fruit Oil and Sesame Oil, which will pamper your skin each day. And it's our highest SPF product on the list, with SPF 30 coverage. It is another splurge-worthy product at $27, currently, but the reviews are great.

Active Sunscreen Ingredients: Not found online.

Yes to Carrots: Hydrating Body Lotion SPF 30

Another one for those looking for natural ingredients in their skin care products - Yes to Carrots: Hydrating Body Lotion SPF 30 is 97.4% natural. And it uses Zinc Oxide as its sole active sunscreen ingredient, which is chemical-free.

While Yes to Carrots brand isn't everywhere, it's getting more and more common, popping up in many drugstores. It's currently priced at a budget-friendly price of $15, but you only get 4 ounces of product for that price - FYI.

Active Sunscreen Ingredients: Zinc Oxide

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Tria Laser Part I

I was very excited to try out Tria laser hair removal and be able to laser at home. The system comes in a white carrying case, with a charger and a skin sensor. Because Tria is a high-tech device, there's an important instructions packet and FAQ included. These are both definite reads to know exactly how to use the system safely and correctly, so I made sure to read them both carefully.

Safety First

After charging the system, you have to activate it. Either by calling 1-877-321-TRIA or by doing so on-line (only once) to ensure you can safely use it. Otherwise Tria will not turn on.

First, I had to make sure my skin was light enough. You place the skin sensor on your skin and then turn it on- if it turns green you're within the right skin tone. If it turns red, your skin is too dark and you can't use it. For good reason, dark skin tones can't use Tria with possibly of getting burned, scarred or blistered. I was sure my skin was well within the skin tone range, and the light did turn green.

Your skin tone is so important that the green sensor is placed on the panel on the front of the Tria to unlock it for use. Although this system is definitely not a toy, it made a special beep when it unlocked. I felt special access with a 'key', like on Star Trek.

A patch test is recommended 24 hours before using, to see if you have any adverse reactions. I tested it on my bikini line, and didn't have any reactions that day or the following.

Using Tria Laser Hair Removal System

I decided to try it on my bikini line, and shaved the area before using as per the instructions. You can't wax or use any other method that pulls out the hair follicle six weeks before using Tria, because the laser needs some hair underneath the skin to target.

You place the system on your skin and it will 'beep', keep holding it there with complete contact with the skin, and then it will 'beep' again- letting you know that section is completed. If what should be the second 'beep' is a 'buzz', then the laser wasn't completed on that section of skin, and you have to re-do it. You then can work your way through the area moving horizontally (right or left) by overlapping what you just 'zapped' by ?". Once you finish horizontally, then you do the same vertically (up and down) so you are less likely to have missed a spot. If you cover the area thoroughly, the company says you will have about 50 beeps per 1 square inch of skin.

It doesn't take an exhausting amount of time, I did my bikini area in about a half hour or so. But if you're impatient and are not holding the Tria down all the way down on the skin and getting 'buzzes' instead of 'beeps', then it will take you a lot longer than necessary. A large area like your legs could be pretty time consuming.

See Tria in action. Watch a step-by-step of how Tria works.

Did It Hurt?

I never had professional laser hair removal, so I didn't know quite what to expect from Tria as far as pain. The bikini area is a bit more sensitive than other parts of the body. I want the best results, so I used the highest setting and the one more likely to feel the burn. (Update: the first Tria laser had three settings, but now has five.) It felt like a small snap, and a bit of heat- but not what I would call pain. However, when I got to the last inch deep into my bikini line, I did turn the setting down one level because it hurt a little.

Does Tria Hair Removal System Work?

After two weeks when first using the system on my bikini line some of the hairs started to come out, and continued to come out for the next week. Some hairs on their own, others with the help of sugar scrub. It was like you could tell the hairs that were going to fall out because they were shorter than the rest. I'm going to continue to use the system every three weeks for a total of six - eight times. The real test is going to be how long the hair stays away, or the thickness of the hair if it does grow back in, so I'll keep you updated.

Read about the results after using Tria three times in part 2 of my Tria review. You can always ask a question about Tria in the hair removal forum.

As is common in the beauty industry, the writer was provided with the Tria for the purpose of reviewing it. The Tria laser was returned back to the company after she completed all of the necessary treatments. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy.

View the original article here

My First Manicure

Question: What Should I Expect at My First Manicure Appointment?

Answer:

Many people schedule manicures for big events, such as weddings or vacations, but you don't need to have a special day planned for a manicure. You've scheduled your first manicure appointment, but you don't know what to expect. Get ready to feel pampered.

You can choose to get your manicure at a high end Salon or Spa, or you can get them in a Nail Spa. You'll usually feel more pampered when you go to a spa that offers a full body menu, but you'll usually pay less when you go to a nail spa.

You'll start with having any current nail polish removed as well your nails shaped and filed. There are many ways you can have your nails shaped from rounded to square tipped. Trust your nail technician’s advice; some nails will break much easier if they are shaped wrong. Going with the natural shape of your nail will ensure stronger nails. The nail technician will apply a cuticle cream onto your cuticles and push them down. It's not recommended to have your cuticles trimmed, but it's a very common practice to do so. If you're uncomfortable with that, tell your nail technician. You will most likely be soaking your hand while the technician is working on your other hand.

Most manicures will include a very relaxing hand massage, my favorite part. The massage will likely include reflexology techniques to completely relax your hands. Enjoy this little piece of heaven.

You'll have a hard decision when it comes to polish. Be ready to be wowed by the color selection. If you are unsure of color, perhaps a French Manicure is for you. Designed to look natural, you'll have a slight line of color at the tip of your nails that ranges from start white to light pink. You'll then have a glossy clear over your nails which will make them look amazing. Your nail technician may even be able to give you a small design on the nail for an extra fee. When I got my last pedicure, she added a cute little flower on my big toes. You'll be amazed at the talent of some technicians.

After the application of polish, you'll likely put your hands under a UV light specifically made to help dry and harden the nails. This will take about five minutes, but you must be very careful with your nails for hours after your appointment. Nothing is worse than getting a manicure and chipping the polish two hours later. If that does happen though, call your salon. Many times they'll have you come back in for a quick fix.

A standard 15-20% tip is the norm for any beauty service, manicure included.

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Multi-tasking Product -- PFB + Chromabright for Ingrown Hair and Dark Spots

Hyperpigmentation, an excess amount of melanin, is the medical term for what we would call dark skin spots or patches. While it can happen for a variety of reasons, those with darker skin tones are more likely to get these spots and are often a result from an injury, called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

It made perfect sense when I saw an ad in a spa magazine for PFB + Chromabright, an ingrown hair and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation fighter it one. Many people with darker skin tones, like those of African, East Indian or Middle-Eastern descent often seem to struggle with ingrown hairs and razor bumps. Even when cleared in certain areas, the trauma to skin leaves the hyperpigmented skin spots.

Of course, it's best to prevent the bumps and the dark skin spots before they happen (see tips for shaving and waxing). But for some people with severe cases, it's a really good idea to keep a product on hand...Just in case.

My assistant tried out the company's ingrown hair fighter alone, PFB Vanish, and it's not one of her favorites of the many she's tested. But we would love to hear what you think of PFB + Chromabright (compare prices). Tell us in the comments below.

More:

• Top Razor Bump Treatments
• Ingrown Hair Home Remedies
• How to Deal with Ingrown Hairs (Video)

Image Courtesy PriceGrabber

View the original article here

Tria Laser Part II

I'm very excited to give you the results about half way through my laser at home process. I recommend you read all about my first experience in part one of my Tria review, if you haven't done so already.

What Are the Results?

I've done three treatments to my bikini line using the Tria, and have to say I'm very impressed so far. Giving an eyeball estimate, I would say there has been about a 70% reduction in hair where I used the highest setting. (Tria originally had three settings, but now has five). Mostly all hairs making up that 70% hair reduction aren't growing in, very few within that same group have grown back so fine and light that you can't see them, but can feel them a bit when touching the skin.

Where the medium setting was used deeper in my bikini line, I would say the hair reduction is more like 55% - 60%. A lower percentage was expected because the second setting gives off less heat to destroy the hair follicle. I never used the lowest setting anywhere in my bikini line.

Tria Pain Factor

Laser hair removal is supposed to get less uncomfortable the more times you get the treatments because some hairs are already destroyed. Now everyone is different, but that didn't happen with me. All three treatments were the same amount of discomfort. The bikini area is a very sensitive zone, so that may have something to do with it. I wouldn't call the feeling exactly painful, but don't make the same mistake I did and use the laser when you're getting ready for bed. It's not really something you would find relaxing.

Cordless Laser: Convenience or Hassle?

Tria needs to be charged, so it can be used cordless. I did like that when you have to twist and turn the laser to different angles there are no cords getting in the way, and no need to worry about being close to an outlet. The challenge is that you only get about ? hour of time to use the laser, and it needs to be charged again. Re-charging the device takes about two hours, so if you're treating big areas like your legs, the sessions would be cut into many times.

Update! Read about my results after six sessions in: Part III

As is common in the beauty industry, the writer was provided with the Tria for the purpose of reviewing it. The Tria laser was returned back to the company after she completed all of the necessary treatments. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy.

View the original article here

Interview with Michelle Madhok: Founder of SheFinds

Of course you've heard of SheFinds.? We think it's one of the best beauty and style sites online. We caught up with the founder of SheFinds, Michelle Madhok, and picked her brain on all things beauty.

She shared with us her favorite beauty products, favorite beauty blogs, best skin care tips and the beauty steps she religiously does, no matter what.

This was such a fun interview to do and? her advice and product recommendations are definitely worth checking out.? Check out my interview with Michelle.

Image provided by Michelle Madhok

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Rodan + Fields Reviews

Rodan + Fields used to be sold in high-end department stores, but today you can find them exclusively from their direct sales consultants. Created by Dermatologists Dr. Rodan and Dr. Field, you'll find a wide range of skin care products for all skin type.

1. Rodan + Fields: Enhancements Body Micro-Dermabrasion

Image provided by Rodan + Fields

Rodan + Fields: Enhancements Body Micro-Dermabrasion has to be the easiest exfoliating product to use. It works great, isn't messy at all and is perfect for traveling.

2. Rodan + Fields: Enhancements Mirco-Dermabrasion Paste

Image provided by Rodan + Fields

Rodan + Fields: Enhancements Micro-Dermabrasion Paste is a product that replaces your facial cleanser 1 to 3 times a week, depending on your skin. It uses sugar and salt particles to slough off dead skin cells and leaves your skin amazingly soft.

3. Rodan + Fields: Anti-Age Gentle Exfoliating Wash

Image provided by Rodan + Fields

Rodan + Fields Anti-Age Gentle Exfoliating Wash isn't your normal anti-aging cleanser. Instead of a milky or hydrating cleanser, this is a clay-based product with small, but effective, particles to exfoliate while cleansing. But no matter how long I rinsed my face in the shower, I came out with product still on my skin. Every time.

4. Write Your Skin a Prescription for Change

Image provided by Pair 'O Docs Publishing

This book has it all. Just about anything you'd ever want to know about skin care is in this book, from skin care basics to advice and instruction, all the way up to dermatological procedures. Everyone, even those who think they know everything to know about skin care, would value from reading Write a Prescription for Change.

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Tria Laser Basics

Tria laser is a device cleared by the FDA for permanent hair reduction for home use on the legs, bikini line, underarms, feet, arms, hands, chest, and back. It requires multiple treatments to have the best results.

Update. This piece is about the previous Tria Laser models. Read about their updated Tria Laser with a built-in skin sensor.

How Does Tria Laser Work?

A diode laser uses beams of light heat on the follicles to disable them. The latest model has five adjustable settings from low to high (previous models had three). The highest setting uses the most heat, and will give better results.

Who Can Use It?

Those with light skin tones (white, ivory, beige and light brown) can safely use Tria. The system comes with a skin sensor that will test your skin tone and determine if it's light enough to use. Only if your skin passes with a green light, will the laser unlock for use. Scarring, blistering and burning can result if it's used on skin tones that are too dark.

Because this laser is targeting dark pigment, white, gray, blond or red hair will not benefit from using the system. Even if the hair is darkened with color, the hair follicle won't absorb enough laser light to be effective.

Does Tria Laser Hurt?

That depends on a lot of factors, and everyone has their own tolerance to pain/discomfort. You might feel more pain if you have sensitive skin, or very dark or thick hair. Using the highest setting will also produce more heat, and of course, more likely to give you pain or discomfort. The first time using the laser is usually the most uncomfortable, and then subsides with further uses for most people. Read about the pain when I put Tria to the test.

How Effective Is It?

Hair grows in different stages: growing, resting and shedding. Because all of the hair isn't on the same stage at any given time, multiple treatments are needed to get the hair in the growth phase, for the laser to be most effective. So 6-8 treatments are recommended, 2- 4 weeks apart.

Laser hair removal can lead to permanent hair reduction, and on January 11, 2010 the Tria system was FDA cleared for permanent hair reduction. Users of Tria laser reported "70% reduction in the amount of hair after just three treatments. Hair that did grow back was perceived to be finer and lighter," according to the information packet provided by the company that makes Tria.

Where Can I Get Tria Laser?

Aesthetic physician offices, Bergdorf Goodman in New York City, Fred Segal in Santa Monica and select Bliss Spas carry the device. Buy direct on-line or get a complete list of retailers on their store locator page.

How Much Does it Cost?

Initially the price was $995 when released in early 2008. February 24, 2009 a new version replaced the old one boasting a 20% reduction in price at $795, and quicker treatments with the laser firing two times faster. In November 2009 the price dropped to $595. June 9th, 2010 the price dropped to $495. A newly designed model with a built-in skin sensor, digital window, faster treatments and other features was released on March 30, 2011 for $395.

How Long Does it Last?

Tria Beauty Company points out this model (with five settings) is capable of delivering over 200,000 pulses (500 charges with each charge delivering 400 laser pulses) and sufficient for most women to treat their entire body. When it runs out, you would need to buy another device.

Tria Reviews

Read all about my journey testing Tria on my bikini line, starting with Testing Tria Part I.

View the original article here

New Silk’n Flash & Go

A new addition to the family of Silk'n home hair removal devices, it's the Flash & Go. It has five power settings, a built-in skin sensor and can be used on the face from the cheekline down, all like Silk'n SensEpil. But there are some other differences, including a lower priced device and replacement cartridges. Find out more in: Silk'n Flash & Go.

My assistant Nicole has the device now and is testing it on her face. So we'll keep you updated on her results.

More:

• Silk'n SensEpil Review
• Silk'n SensEpil Profile
• Tria Vs. Silk'n SensEpil

Image ? HomeSkinovations

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Brow Wax: Home Vs Salon

Who doesn’t love a great eyebrow waxing? Not only do the brows have a cleaner look, it can make a huge difference balancing and complementing our other facial features.

But is it worth the time, money and effort to go get your eyebrows done professionally, or should you save money doing them at home? We let you in on the pros and cons in battling the brow- at home versus salon.

The Costs

• At Home: Do it yourself waxing kits cost between $25 - $100. Compare waxing kit prices.
• Salon or Spa: Expect to pay $8- $50 for an eyebrow waxing. A salon that offers waxing at the shampoo bowl will be at the cheaper end of the spectrum, where a brow design specialist at an exclusive salon or spa, serving clients in a private room will be at the expensive end. That’s not counting gratuity (usually 15% - 20% of base service price) and any State tax.

Preparation

• At Home: Of course you need all your waxing supplies, and be able to look into a large mirror (like in the bathroom). (Get how-to instructions).
• Salon or Spa: Most aestheticians and cosmetologists are licensed to perform waxing, but that doesn’t mean they can shape your eyebrows well. If you don’t already have a preferred technician, ask friends and family who does their eyebrow waxing, and make an appointment with the exact same person they referred you to see.

Time / Effort

• At Home: Waxing the brows is a small area to work on, but does require detail in taking and leaving the right hairs. At least 20 minutes will be needed to wax your brows.
• Salon or Spa: About 5-10 minutes, if you don’t have ‘trouble’ brows, the kind that take a lot of work to make look even and balanced. You may be getting ‘shaped’ for up to ? hour if your brows require a lot of fine-tuning or it's your first visit.

Eyebrow Waxing Results

• At Home: Your skill in using the wax, and being able to remove and leave the right hairs is going to determine the results. Your first eyebrow wax on yourself won’t be perfect, but will improve the more experience you gain in waxing and shaping.
• Salon or Spa: Make sure you tell the technician exactly how you want your brows. They should never just start waxing away without consulting with you on how you like your eyebrows designed. If the person is experienced in waxing, and carries out your brow-designing wishes, you will have beautiful brows that complement and bring balance to your other facial features.

Learn More:

• Eyebrow Shaping Step-by-Step
• Eyebrow Design Showcase
• Eyebrow Shaping Tips

If you’re simply not comfortable with bringing warm wax near your eyes, then stick with having the pros do the work. But if you think you can wax them yourself and save some money, then by all means try it.

View the original article here

New Sunscreen Labels 2012

Are you confused when you look at the bottle after bottle of sunscreen wondering which one is best? How high should your SPF level be? Is it really waterproof? How long will it protect my skin? Will it protect against skin cancer? You're not alone and the FDA is making it easier for you to shop for the best sunscreen.

Starting in 2012, look for new labels on your sunscreen bottles that will ease the confusion and make it easier to be an informed shopper. Here is what you can look forward to.

1. Broad Spectrum will Actually Mean Something

Right now, a sunscreen can say "Broad Spectrum" but there is no real way to know if it's blocking a good amount of UVA rays. But after the label change, if a sunscreen label says "Broad Spectrum", it really will have to have efficient coverage of both UVA and UVB rays.

The FDA is going to make sunscreens pass a broad spectrum test. Only those that efficiently block both UVA and UVB rays will have the label say "Broad Spectrum". We recommend you only buy the brands that DO have the broad spectrum label.

2. Reduces Cancer Risk? Reduces Early Aging Signs?

Right now any sunscreen can say it reduces skin cancer and early aging of your skin, but starting 2012, only sunscreens with SPF 15 or higher and broad spectrum coverage will be allowed to make such a claim. Those without broad spectrum and an SPF under 15 will only be allowed to say it prevents sunburn and hasn't been proven effective against skin cancer.

3. Sweatproof? Waterproof? I Don't Think So.

You'll see no more of these claims because most sunscreens aren't sweatproof or waterproof, period. But, if a brand thinks they have a sunscreen that is, they'll be able to submit their claims to the FDA who will preform tests and either approve or deny their claim.

4. What About Water Resistant?

Check the label on your sunscreen bottle and chances are good that it says it provides effective coverage for up to 80 minutes while sweating or in the water. Some sunscreens definitely are water resistant, but now sunscreen manufacturers will need to have testing done to prove whether the sunscreen stays resistant for 40 or 80 minutes and it will be on the label.

If the sunscreen is not found to be water resistant, it must have a recommendation for consumers to use a sunscreen that is water resistant while sweating or swimming.

5. Claims of All Day Protection? Nope!

Sunscreen labels will not be able to say they provide anything longer than 2 hours of protection unless they again submit it to the FDA for approval.

6. Can Sunscreen Provide Instant protection?

If you don't already know, it takes sunscreen a good 15 to 30 minutes to start working effectively. No sunscreen will be able to state otherwise unless again, they submit their claims to the FDA for approval.

7. How High Should the SPF Level Be?

Confused on whether you should use the SPF 30 when you see SPF 75 or SPF 100 on the shelf next to it? Maybe you're one of those people who grab the highest level just to be safe? The FDA has a separate proposal that would stop companies from playing the SPF level game. If passed, sunscreens companies could only go as high as claiming SPF 50+ because once it gets that high, there isn't any proven data that shows going any higher offers any benefit.

View the original article here

Papaya Pineapple Mask

Papaya Pineapple Exfoliating Mask

Written by Mindy Terry, President and Founder of Creative Spa Concepts. (visit site)

Ingredients

• 2 Chunks Fresh Pineapple
• 1 Ripe Papaya
• 1/2 tsp. Honey

Directions:

Mash together pineapple (cut into 1/2 inch squares), 1/4 papaya and 1/2 teaspoon of honey. Apply to skin and leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse with cool water and follow with your favorite moisturizer.

Why This Mask is Good For Your Skin

• Pineapple is an exfoliant and also provides anti-aging benefits by stimulating the function of collagen fibroblast cells.
• Papaya also helps to exfoliate and soften the skin.
• Honey is great for moisturizing,calming and soothing the skin.

About Mindy Terry - As a spa expert, Terry has appeared on FOX, NBC, ABC and CBS and has been quoted in leading publications including HOTELS, Cosmopolitan and SmartMoney. In addition to leading Creative Spa Concepts, Terry is also a licensed cosmetologist, aesthetician, yoga instructor, make-up artist and certified infant massage instructor.

View the original article here

Brazilian Wax: What To Expect

Question: What Can I Expect at a Brazilian Wax Job?

Answer: Well, it’s generally considered a service and not a job, but I understand what you mean. Not all salons and spas do things exactly the same, but I’ll tell you what you can generally expect.

• Ask questions. Hopefully you have a referral from a friend or family for a good technician to make an appointment with because it will have a huge impact on your experience. If not, seek out salons and spas that specialize in hair removal, not just offer it on the side. Call and ask what hair their Brazilian wax removes, so you’re not in for any surprises. Some facilities won’t remove hair from the behind and others won’t perform a Brazilian on a man.
• Are you a candidate? If you have never visited the salon or spa for any type of waxing you should be asked to fill out a questionnaire to make sure you don’t have any circumstances or conditions that would not make you a candidate for waxing.
• Get started. You will be lead to a private room and asked to remove your pants and possibly your underwear. Some salons will give you disposable thong panties to make you more comfortable, while others will have you nude from the waist down. A styrofoam cup is often given to men to cover their genitals. (No, I’m not kidding.) The technician will leave the room to let you get ready and lie on a facial bed.
• The consult. Once the technician returns, they will go over how the process works and what your expectations are. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or voice your preferences if you want to stray from the traditional Brazilian. Like for example, you don’t want hair removed from your behind.
• The prep. Hair needs to be at least ?” long for the wax to grab onto. If the hair is really long then the tech will have to trim it down a bit with scissors or clippers. Waxing hair that is too long will make it more painful, and also has more of a tendency for breaking hair above or below the skin’s surface, instead of coming out of the root.

  The area will be cleansed and powder or oil will be applied to your skin. Most technicians use hard wax because it works great on coarse hair, so oil which helps protect the skin will be applied. Otherwise powder will be put on the skin to absorb any oils and help the wax not stick as much to the skin for soft wax.

• The process. Wearing gloves, the technician will apply warm wax on the hair with an applicator. Hard wax doesn’t require a strip, so will dry a bit before it’s removed. With soft wax, a strip of cloth or muslin will be put over the wax. The technician will hold your skin taut before removing the wax in a quick pull so it’s less painful. They will continue to work in sections until hair is removed.

  Some technicians will use a towel to cover the area they’re not working on if you’re not wearing disposable panties to give you more modesty, while others find it gets in their way.

  You will have to lift your legs up, possibly to your chest or even get on your knees so the tech can get to all of the hair. The technician may even ask for your help to hold skin taut at some part of the process. An experienced person will make you feel relaxed and perform the service professionally. Don’t worry, they aren’t thinking about how you look.

• The clean up. Because wax shouldn't be applied over skin more than once, any stray hairs missed by the wax will be cleaned up with tweezers. A special product to help remove wax residue will be applied, and then something to help calm the skin. You're all done, and they will leave the room to let you change.
• The post care. Waxing can do more than just leave you hairless. Redness, ingrown hairs and bumps are very common in the bikini area. Learn more about waxing side effects.

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Baby Lotion

Question: Does my Baby Need Baby Lotion?

Answer:

When my youngest was about 2-3 months old, I asked his pediatrician this very question: Does my baby need baby lotion? He told me that if my son didn't have any very dry patches on his skin, lotion wasn't necessary. He said that parents tend to over think their baby's skin. It was obviously not dry; he didn't need lotion.

He went on to add that if I felt better applying lotion to go ahead. After a bath is the best time to apply lotion, as it seals in the water from the bath. If you're going to use baby lotion, using something specifically made for babies isn't really necessary. Pick a gentle lotion that is fragrance free like Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream.

Go with your instinct; if you think your baby needs lotion, go for it!

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Latest Review: Burt's Bees: Milk & Honey Body Lotion

Our latest review is of Burt's Bees: Milk & Honey Body Lotion. This lotion has a cult-like following but it went through a formula change more than a year ago.? The formula change left some fans unhappy, calling the new formula greasy and no where near as good as the old version.

Check out our review of Burt's Bees: Milk & Honey Body Lotion and see if we agree. Do we like it? Will we buy it again?

Image courtesy PriceGrabber

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Tria Laser Part I

I was very excited to try out Tria laser hair removal and be able to laser at home. The system comes in a white carrying case, with a charger and a skin sensor. Because Tria is a high-tech device, there's an important instructions packet and FAQ included. These are both definite reads to know exactly how to use the system safely and correctly, so I made sure to read them both carefully.

Safety First

After charging the system, you have to activate it. Either by calling 1-877-321-TRIA or by doing so on-line (only once) to ensure you can safely use it. Otherwise Tria will not turn on.

First, I had to make sure my skin was light enough. You place the skin sensor on your skin and then turn it on- if it turns green you're within the right skin tone. If it turns red, your skin is too dark and you can't use it. For good reason, dark skin tones can't use Tria with possibly of getting burned, scarred or blistered. I was sure my skin was well within the skin tone range, and the light did turn green.

Your skin tone is so important that the green sensor is placed on the panel on the front of the Tria to unlock it for use. Although this system is definitely not a toy, it made a special beep when it unlocked. I felt special access with a 'key', like on Star Trek.

A patch test is recommended 24 hours before using, to see if you have any adverse reactions. I tested it on my bikini line, and didn't have any reactions that day or the following.

Using Tria Laser Hair Removal System

I decided to try it on my bikini line, and shaved the area before using as per the instructions. You can't wax or use any other method that pulls out the hair follicle six weeks before using Tria, because the laser needs some hair underneath the skin to target.

You place the system on your skin and it will 'beep', keep holding it there with complete contact with the skin, and then it will 'beep' again- letting you know that section is completed. If what should be the second 'beep' is a 'buzz', then the laser wasn't completed on that section of skin, and you have to re-do it. You then can work your way through the area moving horizontally (right or left) by overlapping what you just 'zapped' by ?". Once you finish horizontally, then you do the same vertically (up and down) so you are less likely to have missed a spot. If you cover the area thoroughly, the company says you will have about 50 beeps per 1 square inch of skin.

It doesn't take an exhausting amount of time, I did my bikini area in about a half hour or so. But if you're impatient and are not holding the Tria down all the way down on the skin and getting 'buzzes' instead of 'beeps', then it will take you a lot longer than necessary. A large area like your legs could be pretty time consuming.

See Tria in action. Watch a step-by-step of how Tria works.

Did It Hurt?

I never had professional laser hair removal, so I didn't know quite what to expect from Tria as far as pain. The bikini area is a bit more sensitive than other parts of the body. I want the best results, so I used the highest setting and the one more likely to feel the burn. (Update: the first Tria laser had three settings, but now has five.) It felt like a small snap, and a bit of heat- but not what I would call pain. However, when I got to the last inch deep into my bikini line, I did turn the setting down one level because it hurt a little.

Does Tria Hair Removal System Work?

After two weeks when first using the system on my bikini line some of the hairs started to come out, and continued to come out for the next week. Some hairs on their own, others with the help of sugar scrub. It was like you could tell the hairs that were going to fall out because they were shorter than the rest. I'm going to continue to use the system every three weeks for a total of six - eight times. The real test is going to be how long the hair stays away, or the thickness of the hair if it does grow back in, so I'll keep you updated.

Read about the results after using Tria three times in part 2 of my Tria review. You can always ask a question about Tria in the hair removal forum.

As is common in the beauty industry, the writer was provided with the Tria for the purpose of reviewing it. The Tria laser was returned back to the company after she completed all of the necessary treatments. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy.

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Illuminating Face Moisturizer

Question: What is an Illuminating Facial Moisturizer?

When shopping for a new face moisturizer, I noticed a few that said "illuminating". What is an illuminating face moisturizer, and what exactly will it do for my skin?

Answer:

Illuminating face moisturizers are one of my favorite beauty secrets. Do you notice how matte skin is not what you're seeing these days? Gone are the days where women would look like they had a face full of powder. When you flip on your favorite TV show, notice how the women seem to have an inner-glow to them. That inner-glow is likely an illuminating moisturizer.

An illuminating moisturizer is simply a daily moisturizer with light reflecting particles to make your skin full of the coveted "glow". When having dinner with a friend I hadn't seen in a few months, she told me that whatever I was doing to my skin was working because my skin was "radiant". Radiant has never been a word I would use to describe my skin, and my secret was an illuminating moisturizer.

If you are a fan of the glowing face (and you should be-it suits everyone), definitely pick up an illuminating moisturizer. Make sure you have a regular moisturizer in your stash as well if you think you'll want a more matte look for any reason.

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A Brazilian Wax- Gloves for Them, Gloves for You

It's a a good thing that some technicians wear gloves for every type of waxing service. But some will only use them for body waxing, especially a Brazilian wax. I'm sure you don't want them touching your bikini zone without them, and let's face it, they don't want to go gloveless either.

Often with Brazilians you may be asked to help in the service holding your skin taut. If they do ask for assistance but don't give you gloves also to wear, just ask for pair. We use our hands almost every time we make a move and touch countless things. Even if we've just washed our hands before the service, we're on the safer side with less chances of bacteria getting onto our freshly waxed skin causing irritation, redness, infection and pimples...by gloving up.

More:

• Brazilian Waxing Tips
• How to Get a Great Brazilian Wax
• Brazilian and Bikini Wax Styles for Men

Photo Steve Mason / Getty Images

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Gillette Fusion ProSeries Irritation Defense Line Review

I'm sure almost any one of us have been plagued with razor burn, whether mild or severe, especially if we've tried to save money and bought cheap razors or shaving cream. Or if we've have ever been in a hurry (like I've been guilty of) just took a manual razor to dry skin.

But for some people, especially men who shave daily, really struggle with their skin looking or simply feeling irritated even if they use decent products. Newer on the market from Gillette is their Fusion ProSeries Irritation Defense Line that has a shaving gel and moisturizer supposed to help dramatically with these problems.

Once again my assistant Nicole and her husband (who complains of dry and tight skin after shaving) put these products to the test for us. See what they thought in their Gillette Fusion ProSeries Irritation Defense Line Review.

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European Wax Center Review

At the beginning of the month I was in The Woodlands, Texas, which is a gorgeous suburb of Houston, and if you ever choose to visit, you most definitely won't be bored. Part of the time I stayed at the Avia at Market Street. Market Street is where you can find one of the 300 European Wax Centers (The Woodlands has two centers). I was extremely excited to try it out because I've never been to a waxing only salon, my assistant had the pleasure to review Uni.K. Wax Center in San Diego.

I had very high expectations for European Wax Center after browsing through their website reading about their wax and policies, and thinking I should have a perfect or almost perfect wax since this is the only service they perform. So what did I think of their procedure, wax, speed, cleanliness, and would I go back if they put one in my neck of the woods? Read about all of this and more in my review of European Wax Center The Woodlands, Texas -- Market Street.

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