Lavanila Body Wash- 2-in-1 Shower & Shave

Fun Find-I love Lavanila's Healthy Body Glow lotion. I think it is heaven in a tube. It smells divine and moisturizes well, while leaving a delicious scent. The 2-in-1 Shower & Shave ($14, 8 fl. oz) intrigued me. Especially when I squeezed out a quarter-sized amount into my hand and it wasn't very thick. I expected to find something akin to a cream and instead it really is a body wash consistency.

Doesn't matter though. It still glides on silky smooth with minimal suds and feels really nice when you shave. You don't get a clear line of where you just shaved but your skin will feel soft, smooth and moisturized after using it.

Lavanila products are free of parabens, sulfates, mineral oils and a host of other bad agents. The body wash, lotion and other great Lavanila products are available at Sephora, Beauty.com, Nordstrom and other fine stores.

*Image from spoiledpretty.

Marie Callender's Under 500 Helps Me Maintain

I am not a huge reality show fan but there is one that I simply adore. It is Chris Powell's Extreme Makeover- Weight Loss Edition on ABC. I find Chris and the people featured on the show to be beyond inspiring. I can be folding my laundry and watching the show and suddenly I am itching to work out. If I have skipped a run or weight training I will run in place during the commercials or lift some hand weights instead of laundry while watching this show. I just can't sit there and not be inspired to move. If someone 400+ pounds is running, why can't I get off my keister and do likewise?

Chris doesn't just help these people lose weight, he teaches them a new way of life. They learn to revise their eating habits and it helps me revise and maintain mine as well. However, I have a hard time now that I have three little ones keeping track of what I eat and how much I'm taking in as I eat. Sitting down for a meal is harder than ever. There's always spilled milk to clean up or forks being dropped onto the floor. Marie Callender's Under 500 meals have become a useful tool in fighting the battle of hunger and post-baby weight loss. The Chicken Santa Fe (410 calories) is just one of my favorites. It's a hot meal in the middle of the day or on a night when I don't feel like cooking a big meal. It fills me up, tastes great and doesn't blow my calorie intake for the day.

There are 34 varieties of Marie Callender's Under 500 frozen meals. There are stir-fry's, pastas, Italian and Mexican as well as traditional meals. There is sure to be something for everyone.

MPR Rating: Four Stars.

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post. MPR worked with TheMotherhood.com on this post and received payment and product for it. Opinions are MPR's only.

La Source Foot Care by Crabtree & Evelyn

The La Source line from Crabtree & Evelyn is perfect for this time of year.  The relaxing sea fragrance reminds you of the beach even when you cannot be there.  That actually makes it perfect for any time of year.  Within the La Source line are two valuable products that are great for the warm summer months when it is hot, humid and outdoor activities take a toll on your body just as much as the sun and sea salt. 

C&E's Reviving Leg & Foot Mist ($15) contains no mineral oil (yes!) or parabens.  It sprays on light and fresh to give your feet and legs a bit of a lift.  I like to spray it on after a run or hard lower body workout.  It is also quite nice in the late afternoon on a particularly hot day.  It contains a dash of Peppermint Oil and Menthol as well as conditioning Spirulina and seaweed.  It doesn't burn or feel too cool upon application either. I was concerned the peppermint and menthol would be too heavy but it was just right.  My legs just felt a little less tired. 


As a runner and someone who spends a good deal of time without shoes on my feet can get pretty tough and rough looking.  The Crabtree & Evelyn Foot Mask ($20) is so nice on my scaly, dry feet.  It's rich, thick and creamy and contains that deep moisturizer Shea Butter.  Sugar extracts smooth the roughness and the marine extracts and peppermint oil revive my feet after a long day or workout.  It makes me feel new again. 

If you are in the market for some luxe at home pampering that won't kill your budget I think Crabtree & Evelyn is a good way to go.  The La Source line is a great way to incorporate the spa world into your world at home. 

MPR Rating:  Four Stars.

Disclaimer:  MPR was not paid for this post.  All products received are for review purposes only.  Opinions are MPR's only. 

BWC Daily Benefits Shampoo & Conditioner

Fun Find-I have long been a fan of Beauty Without Cruelty products.  The eye make-up remover is a must-have in my beauty regime.  Consistently well made and always organic and from natural ingredients BWC products are paraben free, 100% Vegetarian-Vegan and contain no animal ingredients.  They are not tested on animals either.  I keep a bottle of both the BWC Daily Benefits Shampoo and Conditioner in my guest bathroom at all times. I use it on myself, the kids and hope that guests will try it when they visit and buy some when they return home.  I don't just test the products myself you know!

Both items are gentle and plant-based products.  Using natural plant proteins and Oshadhi Organic essential oils they both fortify the hair and improve its look, feel and texture.  The Shampoo and Conditioner ($10.95, 16 fl oz)really are great for daily use.  I don't have to worry about overly scented fumes because they don't contain synthetic or engineered fragrances.  The conditioner is light and works well on most hair types (curly is the exception). 

The BWC Fragrance Free Hand & Body Lotion ($11.95, 16 fl oz.)) is another great product from the company.  It is a soft, smooth formula that isn't greasy and absorbs well.  Containing shea butter, kukui nut oil and organic aloe vera it keeps skin super moisturized all year long.  I use it daily right after the shower and my skin is soft all day. 

BWC products are available at Drugstore.com, Wegmans, Amazon, and many drug and grocery stores nationwide.

Crabtree & Evelyn Naturally Refreshing Body Care

The Citron and Honey line from Crabtree & Evelyn is fantastic! I was given the hand treatment set last winter.  I thoroughly enjoyed how well the therapy cream and scrubs worked on my dry, wintry hands.  The scent was light and pleasing reminding me of sunnier, warmer days spent in a garden with a surprising dash of spice that creates a lovely balance in the fragrance.

Now I have been given three of the five products in the body care line (price ranges from $10-32) to test. The Refreshing Body Bar, Skin Smoothing Body Scrub, and Skin Indulging Body Soufflé.   I loved them all!  My favorite being the Body Souffle.  It is a nice whipped lotion that glides on thick but not sticky.  It smells divine with the citrus, coriander, peppery scent that I love and keeps my skin smelling fresh, clean and moisturized.  It is actually uplifting to smell it on myself throughout the day.  The scrub is just a bit grainy but also moisturizing.  It is not rough.  I use it almost every day on the weirdest part of my body for a scrub- my underarms.  My clinically strong deodorant is waterproof.  I don't get that and it is a review in itself but the only way to get it off each day is by using the Crabtree scrub!  These products are all paraben, phthalate, mineral oil (hello dry skin!), sodium sulfate and propolene glycol free.  Always a plus in my book.

The entire Crabtree & Evelyn Citron line is available online and at C&E stores nationwide.  Check out the gorgeous Lavender and Lily of the Valley lines as well. Perfect for a fresh take on spring! 

MPR Rating:  Four Stars.

Disclaimer:  MPR was not paid for this post.  Product received are for review and test purposes only.  Opinions are MPR's only.   

Boiron's Arnicare Gel & Giveaway!

By using the active ingredient Arnica montana 1X HPUS Arnicare Gel naturally works to relieve your pain.  I know, I've tried it and found it to work for minor muscle pain, stiffness and even bruising.  Fall down or take a blow?  Overexert yourself at the gym or on a run?  Arnicare Gel is what I reach for now.  As part of my continuing effort to green "our" world I have tried to seek out and test natural products, including ones that reside in the medicine cabinet.

Arnicare Gel from Boiron works as well as their cough and cold remedies.  It absorbs into the skin fast and only requires a small amount to be massaged into the affected area.  You can use it up to three times a day too.  It has no artificial colors, dyes, perfumes either.  It's also free of that medicinal smell so many of these rubs and gels possess.  It's not sticky or greasy like those others either.  That makes it a great find and a good buy. 

Available in a 2.6 ounce tube it can be found online, at Amazon.com and many other web retailers.  Coupons for $2 off are available at the Arnicare website too! 

GIVEAWAY - I'm giving away a free tube of Arnicare gel.  Winner will be chosen at random on Friday, February 11, 2011.  To enter follow this blog or retweet this post (@veamason) and comment with your email so that I know you did it.

MPR RATING: Four Stars.

Disclaimer:  MPR was not paid for this post.  All products received are for review and test purposes only. Opinions are MPR's only.

*Congratulations to De in DC for winning the tube of Arnicare Gel! 



*Image from soap.com

Fun Green Find- Burt's Bees Fragrance Free

Stuffed into my Christmas stocking was a tube of Burt's Bees newest product- Fragrance Free Body Lotion ($8, 6oz.).  The Shea Butter and Vitamin E version lasts for over 24 hours and soothes my dry, winterized skin.  Yes, already!  I was having the hardest time keeping my hands from drying out until I got this stuff.  There is a Soothingly Sensitive version as well that has Aloe and Buttermilk infused into it.  Each one is fragrance free, hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested.  Full of natural ingredients you'll love it!


*Image from slimages.com

Nature's Gate Glow Lotion

Nature’s Gate Glow Lotion for light and medium skin tones ($12.99, 16 oz) helps to nourish dry skin while providing a gradual, even and natural looking glow.  It's tanning without the damage to your skin.  This fair-skinned, skin cancer survivor loves that!  Using seven skin conditioning moisturizers and antioxidants it is great for daily use and it doesn't leave behind that stinky sunless tanner stench.

In the past I have had some problems with skin irritation from Nature's Gate products.  This time around no such allergy occurred and I was able to use the Glow Lotion all through the spring and this summer. I love it.  It comes in a generous sized pump bottle with no funky beige color to the lotion.  If I forget to wash my hands they don't become stained like other sunless tanners do. Don't get me wrong, you might have a darker pigment showing in between your fingers but Nature's Gate Glow Lotion won't leave you with orange palms.  I applied it (light skin version) daily for a week and noticed a very gradual tan.  After a few days it lessened and I applied more.  Over two weeks I was noticeably tanner and without a too dark or fake orange tinge to my skin.  Simply put you do glow.  I love this lotion! It works and it is not loaded with chemicals. Streaks are rare and it doesn't dry your skin like other sunless tanners. 

Nature's Gate products are cruelty-free, ph-balanced with a good mix of all-natural herbs and pH-balanced formulas.  The company is environmentally friendly and continues to improve its sustainability with each passing year. Products are available online at Drugstore.com and major grocery and discount retailers nationwide.  


MPR Rating: Four Stars.

Disclaimer:  MPR was not paid for this post.  All items received are for review and testing purposes only.  Opinions are those of MPR alone.

Tree Hut Presents Hawaiian Kukui Body Collection

Tree Hut is a natural brand that wants to help you find your inner sanctuary just inside your bathroom.  Can't get away to the islands this year?  Why not try their Hawaiian Kukui Body Collection? Featuring Shea Butter each product from their body lotion and spray to their body scrub and wash smells divine.  It is as if you just stepped outside onto your lanai and are taking in the nearby ocean and exotic flowers. 

The Body Scrub ($8, 18 oz) is the first step in this product line.  It's a rich, exfoliating sugar scrub that contains moisturizing Shea nut oil and Vitamin C. Avocado, Safflower and Kukui Nut oil are also inside.  Each time I use it I feel like my skin is getting not just a smooth scrubbing but also a decadent treat.  It's not too oily and I don't feel greasy afterwards either.  I love how it smells while not being overpowering. 

The Body Lotion ($8, 11.75 oz) is also not greasy.  Possessing all the same oils and including Vitamin E and Aloe this lotion goes on smooth and a little goes a long way.  It's thick but melts into my skin leaving it soft and rich feeling.  The scent is soft but lasts all day and I frequently don't need apply perfume after using it.  I feel like I smell beachy clean all day. 

Tree Hut products include a wide array of other collections, are Certified Organic and made in the USA.  They are not tested on animals and contain no parabens.  They can be purchased at Drugstore.com and Amazon too. 

MPR Rating: Four Stars.

Disclaimer:  MPR was not paid for this post.  All products received were for review purposes only. 

Equmen Precision Underwear for Men

"Proudly Supporting the Men of the World", Equmen uses the latest technologies to streamline, optimize support and control temperature all in one. It prides itself on superior comfort and fit. Ranging in styles from long trunk briefs to trunk and regular briefs Equmen underwear comes in a variety of colors like black, blue and grey.

A pair of blue, electric blue, trunks ($52) landed on our front doorstep a few weeks back and immediately I set them on my husband's dresser to test them. When he initially saw these bright blue underpants, he was a bit taken aback. "They look so foreign. Definitely European. They are so blue! I'm not sure that I can wear them." I told him to just try them out and tell me what he thought. Now, weeks later, he wears them on a regular basis.

Equmen are body-shaping briefs and trunks. They are athletically inspired and created with the same fabrics (Helix-mapping, compression technology) that athletes use but are for the every-day man. Based on sprinter short designs they are lightweight, have a gluteal fold, provide posture, and gait support. There is even a ventilated "power pouch". Essentially these little trunks lift and smooth just like women's body-shaping underwear.  I have to say that I don't mind that one bit. Neither does my husband. In fact, he really enjoys wearing them and seemed surprised. He says they offer great support and are comfortable in a way that is completely different from your average set of boxer briefs. He likes them. He really likes them. I think he even likes the electric blue now too because just like a pretty pair of panties or a lacy bra for a woman they make you feel special and add a bit more pizzazz to your average day. At least that is what I think.


Equmen products are sold online at Equmen and in select department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue and other speciality retailers worldwide. 

MPR Rating: Five Stars. 

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this posting. Products were received and kept for testing purposes. The opinions in this review are solely my own.

Visit my personal blog for more opinions at The Mummy Chronicles.

Auromere Ayurvedic Imports

Auromere, one of the first importers of Ayurvedic products from India to the US, recently offered me a variety of their items to try out.  From herbal toothpaste, massage oil, soap, shampoo and incense Auromere has a little bit of everything.  All of it is cruelty-free.   Today, Auromere is the leading importer of Ayurvedic body care and concious-living products. 

While I am not necessarily an incense lover it turns out that I love Auromere's Lavender incense ($2-20) and their Cinnamon scented version.  Both burn for long periods of time and have a light scent that doesn't cling to everything or hang in the air heavily.  Each time I used it the air in the room felt cleansed.  Auromere has over eight scents too.  Next, I tried Auromere's Licorice flavored toothpaste ($6) and mouthwash ($6) from their Dental Care line.  Each paste inclues PEELU and NEEM which naturally whitens teeth and freshens breath.  While I found that both the mouthwash and toothpastes did clean and freshen well, the flavor was a bit too strong for me.  I much preferred the mint versions. 

Out of all the products I tried from Auromere, my favorite was the pre-shampoo conditioner ($8).  Containing "traditional formula made of Sesame, Coconut, Ginger Lily, Khus Khus, Nutgrass and Wheat Germ oils, infused with extracts of Neem, Brahmi, Castor leaf. Bhringaraj and Tulsi (Holy Basil)."  This pre-conditioner helps strengthen roots, smooth tangles, counteract drying from shampoo and assist in restoring your hairs natural balance.  There is a very prounounced basil scent when it is first applied, but is quickly dissipates.  During the week that I used this product my hair took on an entirely different look.  It was glossy, soft and smooth.  I had hair like you see in a shampoo commercial. I couldn't believe it.  I found the basil scent exhilerating too and was sad when my sample was finished. 

I am quite pleased with all the Auromere products that I tried. They are resonably priced, organic and perform very well.  The company has a wide variety of items to choose from in each category be it - dental, hair care, body care, incense or more. 

MPR Rating: Four Stars.

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this posting. Products were received and kept for testing purposes. The opinions in this review are solely my own.




 

Quick Gifts from Crabtree & Evelyn

There are only nine days left until Christmas.  Are you done with your shopping yet?  If not, Crabtree & Evelyn has some wonderful gift ideas. 

-The Windsor Forest candle makes a charming hostess gift.  The etched glass is beautiful and everyone comments on how lovely it is.  I have one and burn it daily. It lasts a very long time, smells natural and just like a real Christmas tree. People keep commenting on how fabulous my tree smells (yes, it is a real one) but it is mainly due to this amazing candle.  The home fragrance spray is available too. 

-The Vanilla Hand Care Caddy is a nice housewarming present, gift for a co-worker or even your aunt!  It's affordable ($28) and comes with a ceramic dish to hold both the full size vanilla scented soap and lotion.  It also works for just you and your home.

Need some stocking stuffers for your friends and family?  Have to buy a small present for someone and are completely stumped?  Try one of Crabtree & Evelyn's Pomegranate creamy body washes ($16) or their long lasting Orange Spice soap.  Either will entice anyone and be sure to get them into the holiday season. 

Crabtree & Evelyn has so much more to offer for those on your gift list and for you too.  Check out their entire set of collections and get ready to start crossing everyone off your list!  Big sales, 25% off and free 2 day shipping are all available NOW!

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this posting. Products were received and kept for testing purposes. The opinions in this review are solely my own.

Organix Kid's Therape Shampoo & Conditioner

Gluten-free, sulfate-free and paraben-free Organix TheraNeem Kid's Therape shampoo ($13.95, 12 fl oz.) and conditioner ($13.95, 12 fl oz.) is also gentle, sensitive on the eyes, skin and scalp and organic.

I have been using the Organix Kid's Therape shampoo & bodywash and conditioner on both my four year-old and one year-old for about a month now. Both girls have sensitive skin and the eldest absolutely hates having her hair rinsed because, "it burns." While the youngest doesn't have much hair, my older daughter has thick, fine and extremely curly hair. It is hard to wash, comb and keep knot-free for more than thirty seconds.

Organix's TheraNeem Kid's Therape comes in sturdy dark green bottles that don't dent or break despite repeated throwing by my youngest. We have had many broken bottles and caps in our tub from the little one. Packed with Neem oil, Neem leaf extract, chamomile and calendula, this shampoo and bodywash combo gently cleans their skin and hair without any of the "burning" because there are no harsh chemicals. It deep cleans without the use of harsh chemicals or soaps. This combo keeps my daughter's curly hair clean and it doesn't frizz after each use like other shampoos. I love this gentle shampoo and bodywash. I only wish that it had a tiny bit more of a scent to it. If you are looking for a sweet, soft scented child or baby you will not get it from TheraNeem Kid's Therape. It simply smells "green", like grass. It is not overpowering or bad it just doesn't remind you of all the other chemically-driven scented products.

The Kid's Therape conditioner works great too. It is thick but rinses out easily and it detangles even the toughest snarls and keeps my daughter's hair shiny, smooth. It doesn't weigh it down either. It is loaded with Neem oil, Neem leaf extract, jojoba oil, panthenol, rice proteins and contains no wax to create a pH balanced, soothing conditioner for your kids hair.

We will continue to use Organix TheraNeem Kid's Therape Shampoo/Bodywash and Conditioner. Organix is the real green deal. Organix products can be purchased at the Organix online store and at online and local retailers across the country.

MPR Rating: Four Stars.

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this posting. Products were received and kept for testing purposes. The opinions in this review are solely my own.

Basq- Pregnancy Skincare

The bigger I get with this second pregnancy the more worried I am about stretch marks and moisturizing my skin. I put on some sort of moisturizer at least twice a day to relieve not just the itchy and scratchy feeling, but to alleviate my worries about stretch marks. So far so good. Let's knock on a whole lumber yard of wood, shall we? Recently, Basq, makers of the high-quality pregnancy skincare line, sent me some samples to try.

First, things first. The company, created by two women, has created products that are not just relaxing to use but also to look at. They are safe too. I loved the fact that the aromatherapy line is very gentle and has a pregnant woman at its heart, because sometimes that treatment is actually not all that good for those of us with swollen bellies. Also, the line is not actually just for pregnant women. It's for ALL women. I love that most of all. So how did the products perform?


Made from all-natural oils to tone and moisturize your tired skin, the Resilient Body oil ($38-4.3 oz) with almond oil, Vitamin E, hazelnut, grapeseed and rosehip soothes your skin on contact. I wished for more than the tiny vial I was sent when I reviewed this stuff. It absorbed quickly and didn't leave any oily or greasy residue behind. There was nothing to stain my clothes or stick to them and yet my skin felt mercifully calm and soft all day long. I didn't feel the need to apply any nighttime lotion or more oil before bed either.


Next, I tried the Citrus Sugar Body Polish ($20) scented by exotic Neroli and Sweet Orange. Yummm... Just divine in scent and the texture is nice too. The essential oils, natural sugar and shea butter all melt into your skin while exfoliating. I would love to say how this product really worked exfoliating my skin, step number one in moisturizing properly, however the sample I received was far too small to even test it out. Samples for body anything, let alone scrub should never be sent in quarter or nickle-sized containers. You simply cannot get a good read on the product and while it smells nice and the finger dab test I did worked well on the back of one hand it isn't enough to say how it works over the long haul or on your body. That was very disappointing.

Overall, I think Basq Skincare is really on to something. The products work well and smell wonderful. Who wouldn't want to use them? Even the packaging is restful. The gift sets are great and at fairly reasonable prices too. I would certainly spread the joy of these products to my pregnant and non-pregnant friends alike. To find Basq products visit their website and purchase online or visit here.

Preserve Triple Razors

From Recycline comes the Preserve Razor Triple an environmentally friendly alternative to the disposable razor. The triple blade offers a close, comfortable shave and a handle (patent pending) made from recycled materials.

Preserve combines two key items in this one handy product. First, I loved that it is environmentally-friendly with a 100% recyclable handle made from at least 60% recycled Stonyfield yogurt cups but the one piece handle offers not just comfort when shaving but less manufacturing time when being made. The handle is ergonomic for added control too. While it does not have, the added gel strip or lotion that some disposable razors possess the Preserve Razor Triple offers a close shave no matter what are you use it on and its lightweight making it perfect for traveling.

The Razor Triple also comes in a 100% recycled plastic case that enables you to add in extra cartridges, it comes standard with two, adding to its ability to travel and pack easily. I used it recently on a few trips and found that the case kept the Triple from nicking my other toiletries but also from dulling the blade. There were not any clunky pieces to keep track of or a heavy case.

At $7.49 for one Preserve Razor handle and two blade cartridges, you have quite the deal. I found it worked better than the store brand razors, lasting longer without dulling and shaved just as effectively. The added bonus is that at the end of its use both the case and handle can be recycled. If you do not have the ability to recycle in your area Recycline has a postage-paid mail-back program for customers to utilize.

Preserve also offers a variety of adult and junior (kids) toothbrushes all made from Stonyfield yogurt cups too. After testing them out the whole family has converted to the Preserve line. The children’s brushes come in a variety of fun colors and the bristles are soft enough for even the most delicate toddler mouth.

MiN- New York- Razor Bump Treatment

If you are like me, you are ultra sensitive to shaving. You can develop those wonderful razor bumps that in the summer season are not very attractive and sometimes painful and avoid shaving whenever possible. If you are like me, you cannot tolerate a hairy bikini line though so you do what you must and try all sorts of products to combat the razor bump problem.

MiN New York Solution2 is a roller ball of pain free, razor bump eliminating goodness. Great for men and women alike and either post-shave or waxing MiN has liquid aspirin and organic spearmint to eliminate pain, ingrown hairs, razor bumps and tighten pores.

I tried this product out the week before my beach vacation and during and found it produces nice results. I am so prone to those annoying red bumps that I either wax or use a depilatory cream to remove hair. I don't like to shave. Except being pregnant makes it harder to use products like these, ones that even my doctor is unsure of the side effects. So shaving it is and the bumps rear up and we start the whole annoying process all over again. I used the MiN Solution2 after shaving just once and while it burned a bit and did not smell very pleasant I was pleased to note that no bumps occurred in the next day or two. I waited a few days and repeated the process and found the same results. Over the next two weeks I continued this test and I am happy to report that the MiN Solution2 really does work! While I do not like the smell, it is antiseptic like and burns a bit each time it does not hurt and it is worth the not so hot scent and bit of burning because it eliminates the long term problem like it is supposed to.

At $20 (50 mL) a pop this is the typical price range for a hair removing product or accessory. Because it is in roller ball form it lasts a long time making it worth the money too. You can also order a large refill ($42) bottle to eliminate waste. Both products can be ordered directly from the MiN website.

Offering a unique three-part solution for dry skin Theraplex moisturizers are the latest in skincare and moisturizing technology. By eliminating the greasy oily residue factor that is found with most petroleum based products for the skin. Theraplex offers real therapeutic benefits for your skin.

I tested our all four of the Theraplex products and found differing results. The ClearLotion, Hydrolotion, FT and Emollient all work well but offer different types of moisturizing. There is a separate use for each one.

The ClearLotion is an after shower/bath moisturizer. It is a clear oil that dries fast and absorbs very quickly into your skin. Instantly your skin drinks it in. I think paired with another moisturizer like Theraplex's Hydrolotion Daily Moisturizer it would work extremely well. Alone, it did not do enough for my dry legs. The Hydrolotion however, worked like a charm. I used it to moisturize my entire body and had great success. My skin has been incredibly dry this pregnancy and the Hydrolotion kept it moisturized all day long.

The FT by Theraplex is a thick emollient that works best on rough, callused skin such as your feet. My small sample packet was used up in two days. I found it kept my feet soft for quite some time and really got into the calluses. I would use it again. The same goes for the Theraplex Emollient, which is perfect for those suffering from eczema or psoriasis. This fragrance free product is great for rough cuticles too. I used it on my hands and noticed a difference in my skins texture right away.

All of the Theraplex products work well and can be bought online at their own website. Items range from $16-21 for 8 ounces or $30 for a combo set of the Hydrolotion and ClearLotion.

Le Couvent Des Minimes- Natural Beauty since 1862

Are you looking for a truly luxurious salve or lotion that not only smells natural and wonderful but also is also easy on your wallet? Then look no further than Le Couvent Des Minimes and their fabulous collection of nourishing products. I tried out three items from the Le Couvent Des Minimes line- The Original Fortifying Nail and Cuticle Salve Recipe ($12/15ml), Moisturizing Body Lotion ($17/250ml) and the Soothing Night Hand Cream ($10/50ml). This department store brand with its natural look and French appeal are much more than I bargained for with its Target prices.


First up is the cuticle salve, which is a soothing combination of shea butter, apricot kernel oil and myrrh essential oil. It fortifies and protects your cuticles while nourishing, healing and strengthening the nail bed all at the same time. This salve is light and easy to use. The tiny tube goes a long way and it melts into your cuticles quickly and easily. The light scent of lavender is pleasant and I found that after one use there was a noticeable difference in how my skin looked. After two days of post-shower use, my cuticles looked better than they had in years and were soft and supple.

Next, I tried the Soothing Night Hand Cream, which is mix of lavender and acacia extracts. Acacia, is known for its softening abilities and combined with coconut oil it sounds like it would be a heavy greasy mix but I was pleasantly surprised by how it melted into my skin without leaving a residue behind. I tried this cream for a few nights in a row and even put it on my feet during the daytime and before bed. Each time I have used it I notice an immediate difference in how my skin looks and feels. This hand cream is part of the Le Couvent Des Minimes Good Night Ritual line and it is a great ritual to have indeed.




The last item I tried is from the Nourishing Body Care collection. The Moisturizing Body Lotion is a nice blend of grape seed oil, honey extract, shea milk and beeswax. These ingredients meld together to form a creamy blend that works well as a daily moisturizer. The first time I opened the bottle of this lotion I fell deeply in love with the natural honey scent. Normally, I do not like this scent but it really blew me away and I could not stop breathing it in. It is not overpowering and I enjoyed using it every day.



What came across the most to me as I used all of the Le Couvent Des Minimes products is that they not only smell wonderful but they make you feel pampered and relaxed no matter what time of day you use them. Each time I opened a bottle or tube I felt transported to the French countryside and that I was creating a little haven of my very own. I only wish I had some to share and giveaway. Le Couvent Des Minimes products can be purchased at Belk, Dillard's, Bon Ton and Olive & Company stores nationwide.

Lend A Hand Soap by Mario Russo

Lightly scented in chamomile and olive oil, Mario Russo's Lend a Hand Soap ($15.50) is gentle and effective. Coming in at 8 fluid ounces in a handy pump bottle this soap is unique looking. It is not quite pink but also almost a light brown color. When it pumps out though it is clear, lathers easily and rinses well. It definetly is gentle too because it doesn't dry out my hands no matter how often I use it through out the day. It is a nice hand soap to have by a bathroom or kitchen sink.

Having grown up in Italy and seeing his grandmother use olive oil in a variety of ways from skin ailments to cure-alls Russo decided to develop a line of products based around this skin softening olive for his salons. Having only used the Lend A Hand soap I cannot say how the other products work, but the hand soap does what is is supposed to, which is clean your hands. It did not wow me, but I did like how it was not overly scented and light in texture. It really does feel gentle and goes with the Lend a Hand lotion. While it looks like a green product, it is not one which disappointed me.

Lend a Hand hand soap comes in 8 oz and 2 oz sizes. A portion of the proceeds goes to charity though which one I not sure of as the bottle and the website do not say.

A lot of lotion flows through my house. A lot. As of right now there are at least six different types sitting atop my bathroom counter all waiting to be used and reviewed. Add in two people with various skin ailments, dry for me and sensitive for my daughter we run the gamut when it comes to moisturizers.

When I first received a bottle of SkinMD Natural I was more impressed with it’s packaging than I was with its Gloves in a Bottle counterpart. While it will not win a prize solely on looks the red cap and bright white bottle did charm me a bit. This lotion is light and goes on easily. It is blends well and absorbs into the skin lightening fast! I was quite pleased. I have had very dry skin lately and I wanted this product to fix it. As a shielding lotion, this lotion should coat and protect my skin so that my skin’s natural oils and moisturizers can stay put and do their collective jobs. I used SkinMD Natural for a week or so and while my skin initially felt soft and supple I still felt dry by the end of the day. I was disappointed. Then I went and read this review. The user states that it took three weeks to really see a difference. While this is an extreme case of dry skin and eczema I decided to give SkinMD Natural another try.

I used the lotion exclusively after that and reapplied it twice a day. Another week went by and this time I did notice that the dry cracked appearance on my legs was gone. The ashy texture of my elbows had disappeared. This non-greasy formula of lotion was working! I like the light non-perfumed scent and how smooth this lotion is when applied. A little goes a long way. However, I would have liked it even more if it were fast-acting.