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Category : Beauty

As a coffee fanatic mom of two, I am totally on-board with idea of caffeine in my beauty products.  It can be so helpful for things like tightening the skin, smoothing cellulite, and de-puffing these tired-mommy eyes.  You can usually see an immediate effect from caffeine in skincare, which I also love.  Ready to add caffeine to your beauty routine?  Browse my picks to find a caffeinated beauty product made to kick-start your skin!

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Kate Somerville Exfolikate Body - This exfoliator is my all-time favorite caffeine-infused beauty treatment!  The enzymes and acids mix making this the hardest working body exfoliator I have tried.  The caffeine tightens and firms skin for results you cannot deny. Kate Somerville, $65.00

Bliss FatGirl Soap - Start with a caffeine soap in the morning to really get your skin in shape.  The massaging nubs are half the fun in this little bar that will help with firming and toning.  Perfect for known cellulite trouble spots in thighs and arms.  Bliss, $19

Kiehl’s Powerful Wrinke Reducing Eye Cream - We all want to wake up with a fresh look, and this eye cream from Kiehl’s includes caffeine for reducing puffiness.  It could be your quick fix in the a.m.! Kiehl’s, $42.00

Origins GinZing Energy-Boosting Moisturizer - The coffee and ginseng in this oil-free moisturizer has the power to create a healthy glow.  I could get used to that!  The lemon, grapefruit and spearmint combine for an energizing fragrance.  Origins, $26.50

LORAC TANtalizer Award Show Glow - The allure of looking like a star on the red carpet gets me every time!  Get a tan, toned, gorgeous glowy look with this body bronzer. Caffeine and anti-cellulite ingredients work hard to firm skin and the bronzy formula provides color worthy of a star. LORAC Cosmetics, $32

Psssst Volumizing Boost Powder - Give your hair a boost of caffeine by adding this powder to roots for volume.  It will absorb oils and can even revive hair at the end of a long day.  A quick save for your style!  ULTA, $6.99

Smashbox Photo Finish Hydrating Under Eye Primer - Made for smoothing the under eye area before foundation, this primer gets an anti-aging boost from caffeine and peptides.  The optical diffusers make this product a must for those with under eye issues. Sephora, $29

Bobbi Brown BB Cream - The caffeine in this BB cream works with the botanical extracts and peptides to provide skin with a flawless finish.  This product really does it all, from controlling oil to reducing the appearance of fine lines.  This could be your one-step fresh face when you are on-the-go!  Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, $42

Do you have any favorite caffeinated beauty products currently in rotation?

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Still stumped for gift ideas for Mother’s Day this year?  Pampering gifts are always a win in my book and I think women of all ages enjoy a little beauty indulgence.  A scented body cream, soothing facial mask, or a special  body wash has made my day on more than one occasion.  No matter what your budget may be, there is a gift set sure to suit your needs.   Browse my favorite pampering gift sets for Mom and find a thoughtful gift or even add something to your own Mother’s Day wish list!

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Victoria’s Secret VS Perfect Body Deluxe Spa Kit - A luxurious set with five products to keep moms happy, relaxed and beautiful.  The Purifying Body Mask sounds like the absolute best at-home spa treatment!  $35 Victoria’s Secret

Evelyn Rose Ultimate Luxuries  The ultimate luxury gift with all the bells and whistles, the Evelyn Rose collection is based on a special breed of rose exclusive to Crabtree & Evelyn.  Let mom know she is one-of-a-kind by giving this set of bath, body and fragrance packaged in its own gold case! $100 Crabtree & Evelyn

Fresh Sake & Seaberry Spa Retreat Set  This gorgeous set is on my own Mother’s Day wish list!  I love that this gift set is inspired by Japanese geisha purifying bath rituals and includes four products with natural ingredients.  Mom will love the unique Sake Bath! $75 Neiman Marcus

Laura Mercier Le Petit Patisserie Travel Quartet  Fans of the almond coconut milk scent will love this bath and body set.  The limited edition offering comes complete with fragrance, body wash, and body creams.  Make Mom feel like a million bucks without spending a ton!  $50 Sephora

The Bees Knees Variety Bath Gift Set from Fortune Cookie Soap  It really doesn’t get much cuter than these handmade soaps!  Each soap is a fortune cookie and the budget-friendly variety set is the way to go for Mom.  Wait and see if she does not get addicted to the Sweet Tart Martini soap!  $19.99 Fortune Cookie Soap

Earth Therapeutics Foot Doctor Pedicure Kit  With Summer on the way, give Mom the gift of perfect feet for the season.   The tea tree oil in this pampering set is a god-send for soothing feet! This pedicure kit includes at-home pedicure products at a great price.  $24.99  ULTA

Aveda Shampure Set  Is hair one of your Mom’s best quality?  Give her this beautifying hair gift to show your love and appreciation.   The soy candle and gift wrap is the icing on the cake! $58 Aveda

Backstage Basics from butter LONDON If nails are Mom’s favorite pastime, grab the ultimate in quality nail treatments.  This set includes all that she will need for a professional looking manicure at home.  You can even choose your favorite nail color.  She will definitely thank you later! $42 butter LONDON

Which gift set would you like to receive this Mother’s Day?

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Did you know blue eye makeup will flatter any eye color?  It’s true!  The trick is to find the right shade to make your eyes stand out.  Follow my guide according to your eye color or to bring out the less prominent shades in your eyes.  Read on to find out my picks for best blues for any eye color!

Hazel - Pop the orange flecks in hazel eyes when you wear shades of navy.

Bobbi Brown blue

Bobbi Brown Metallic Eyeshadow - Midnight Bobbi Brown, $21.00 This vibrant navy color with shimmer is the ultimate contrast to bring out the beauty of hazel eyes!  Swipe it on the lid as well as lower lash line for the most effect.

Guerlain blue

Guerlain Ecrin 4 Couleurs Eyeshadow Palette - Les Bleus Nordstrom, $60.00 This luxury palette is specially created with coordinating shades that can intensify the hazel gal’s pretty peepers.  Loving the accent shades along with the intense blue in this one!

Brown - Since brown does not have a contrast color any shade of blue will work with brown eyes.

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ULTA Eyeshadow - Seaside ULTA, $7.00  This inexpensive eyeshadow is a beautiful and subtle blue just perfect for the brown-eyed girls!

Kat von D blue

Kat Von D Shade Shifter Eyeshadow - Stockholm Sephora, $16.00  With such a stunning shade of blue, brown hues will stand out among the crowd.  Use a gorgeous brown eyeliner to highlight this look!

Blue - Enhancing blue eyes is a cinch with cool blues and grays.

Loreal blue

L’Oreal Infallible Eyeshadow - Sultry Smoke ULTA $7.99 This gray/blue shadow looks killer on blue eyes!  The intense finish of the cream shadow can be the base for a smoky eye or the simplest eye look.

Hourglass blue

Hourglass Visionaire Eyeshadow Duo - Prism Hourglass Cosmetics, $38.00  An appropriate duo to enhance the blue in any eye, with a sexy black for lining to boot!

Green - Reach for indigo or sapphire shades to really make green eyes glow.

Lancome blue

Color Design Sensational Effects Eyeshadow Smooth Hold - All Made Up Lancome, $19.00 This sapphire color will last all day and make others envious of those eyes!

Sephora blue

Sephora Collection Colorful Eyeshadow - Sailor KissSephora $13.00 A sultry blue shadow to brighten up the green, smoke up the eyes for major impact!

Do you have any favorite shades to play up your eye color?

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Ready to take hold of the coral lip this season?  This shade can be found in drugstores and luxury makeup counters everywhere.  If you have never considered a coral lip, now is the time to give it a second look.  Whether you go for a bit of color or major color, there is most definitely a coral just for you.  Browse my picks for best coral lips to find the one (or two!) that you want to rock!

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Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick, Kiss Me Coral, ULTA $4.19  Infused with silk and vitamins you can’t ask for a more moisturizing coral lip!

Maybelline ColorSensational Lipcolor, Coral Crush, Drugstore.com $6.63  Probably my favorite drugstore brand as their lipsticks have such a smooth texture, colors are very vibrant and wear well throughout the day.

Korres Mango Butter Lipstick SPF 10, Vibrant Coral, Sephora, $18.00  If you are looking for a sheer wash of coral go with this one.  It provides a glossy finish and you will love the lightweight feel.

Chanel Rouge Coco Hydrating Creme Lip Colour, ParadisChanel, $34.00  In the mood for a splurge because you deserve it?  This luxe coral lipstick will make you feel like a million bucks!  It’s easy glide formula makes it hard not to love.

NARS Velvet Lip Gloss Pencil, Happy DaysNARSCosmetics.com, $25.00  The jumbo lip pencil makes applying lip color as easy as 1-2-3.  Great for traveling, this NARS coral contains Vitamin E for a true buttery feel to keep your lips looking the best.

Lancome Rouge In Love, Miss CoquelicotLancome $26.00  Really want to go all-in for a bright coral?  This shade from Lancome will surely do the trick!  With up to 6 hours of wear, this medium coverage lipstick makes a bold statement.

MAC Lipstick, Vegas VoltMACCosmetics.com $15.00  A shade from the permanent MAC collection, this hot coral just may turn into your go-to lip color for the season!  Tried and true quality and color to turn heads in your direction.

Josie Maran Magic Marker Lip & Cheek Stain, Jive, Sephora $19.00 A long-wear lip and cheek stain that applies like a marker?  I’m thinking yes!  Get the perfect flush with this natural lip stain.

Do you have a favorite coral that I should know about?  Do share!

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Whether I was applying enough rouge to join the circus at the age of six, buying tubes of frosted pink lipstick from the dollar store at the age of ten, or covering my face in cheap Oompa Loompa orange foundation when I was in eighth grade, I’ve always loved buying and playing with new beauty products.

Today I still have a tendency to go a bit heavy-handed on the blush, but overall, I’d like to think that I’m a bit savvier when it comes to make up. One thing that I do know for certain is that I’ve become more choosy about the products that I use. After all, everything that we put on our skin is absorbed by the bloodstream.

Scary thought, right?

The good news for fellow product junkies out there is that all sorts of high-quality, non-toxic brands are popping up all over- even in some department stores! Naturally (no pun intended), I’ve put a lot of these products to the test and have found many that I absolutely love.

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush $26
tarte dollface blushThese blushes live up to their name and truly last all day long. They come in so many beautiful colors, but my personal favorite is a light pink called Dollface.

Honeybee Gardens Mascara $10

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This was actually the very first natural mascara that I tried. My local health food store was running a special promotion, trade-in your toxic mascara for a free tube of natural mascara. I honestly wasn’t expecting much from it, but this mascara makes my lashes look so full and keeps them clump-free.

Sibu Nourishing Facial Cream $20.95
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For months, I’ve been raving about this product to anyone who will listen. This miracle-worker contains sea buckthorn oil, a natural antioxidant, and has completely eliminated my flaky dry skin.

Jane Iredale Amazing Matte Finishing Powder $31
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After hearing so many glowing reviews about this powder, I just had to try it for myself. It is non-drying, suitable for all skin types, won’t cause break outs, and totally worth the hype.

Vapour Organic Beauty Atmosphere Soft Focus Foundation $48

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I have yet to try a product from the Vapour Organic Beauty line that I dislike. This foundation is a standout though. It yields a dewy finish, offers great coverage and never looks cakey.

Alima Pure Eyeshadows $12.50
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If you like eye shadows with great pigmentation, as well as, a wide range of colors and finishes, then you’ll go crazy for these.

100% Pure Nourishing Body Cream $15
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This is, hands-down, my all-time favorite body cream, like…ever. My scent of choice is vanilla bean. It smells so good that you’ll want to pour it straight from the tube and into your mouth. But even though this body cream is natural, I still wouldn’t recommend eating it.

Bite Beauty Luminous Creme Lipstick $24
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This creamy lipstick contains resveratrol, the antioxidant found in wine, so it has anti aging properties. Cheers to that! If you’re looking for a fun new shade to add to your collection, I highly recommend the Vidal Raspberry Pink. It is just perfect for Spring!

What is your favorite non-toxic beauty product?

erin-1About our guest author: Erin is a wife, new mother, and writer behind The Grass Skirt, a total lifestyle blog.  She’s also a certified holistic health coach with a passion for all things related to wellness and nutrition.  Erin is a self-proclaimed beauty product junkie, a massive Lionel Richie fan, classic television show enthusiast, green smoothie lover, and can never pass up an opportunity to visit the farmer’s market.  And even though she’s health-conscious, she’s never met a cookie that she didn’t like! Follow Erin on Twitter @TheGrassSkirt, follow The Grass Skirt on Facebook, check out Erin’s Blog The Grass Skirt and follow her on Pinterest.

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We all know Spring brings fresh blooms and longer days.  What about the beauty perks that the new season brings?  One of my favorite Spring arrivals is the latest nail trends.  Browse my favorite picks for Spring nails and I am betting that you will find more than a few must-haves!

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Arguably, THE hottest trend for nails this spring:  Robin’s Egg Nails!  These milky glitters in pretty pastel colors bring back the nostalgia of all the Easter baskets of my childhood.  Rock this trend with Deborah Lippmann Rockin’ Robin or Hard Candy Peach Pop

In case you haven’t heard, nail art is all the rage.  You can wear the latest nail art trends without all the patience needed to do it yourself.  The latest nail polish strips are the answer and the best part is no waiting for your polish to dry, just apply and go!  Try my favorites: NCLA Nail Wraps in Heat WaveSally Hansen Salon Effects in Out of LineKiss Nail Dress by Katie Carzola in Flirt

Winner for the most fun nail trend for Spring (according to me)?  Fuzzy or feather nails!  Make your nails a real conversation-starter with these treatments that mimic a feather look:  Sally Hansen Fuzzy Coat in Peach Fuzz or Nails Inc. in Brighton Feathers

My personal favorite mani/pedi for Spring always involves the hottest colors like fuchsia, orange, or green.  Go bright or go home is typically my motto when the new season arrives.  Adorn your nails with L”Oreal Colour Riche Orange You Jealous? New Money, or Crazy for Chic to show off your bright side.

Up for the new and improved glitters for Spring?  The matte glitter is where it’s at this time around, adding sparkle to your nails in a quite subtle way.  Try Zoya PixiDust in Vespa or OPI Liquid Sand in What Wizardry is This? 

Naturally, pastels are at the forefront of Spring nail collections.  These colors can’t miss when it comes to being the finishing touch to your look.  Grab Zoya in BluMaybelline Color Show in Chiffon Chic,  butter London in Kerfluffle, or Lime Crime in Lavendairy.  Each will satisfy your pastel craving!

Are you ready for the Models Own Fruit Pastel scented polish for Spring?  I vote these as the most nostalgic new nail polish as these pastels include scratch and sniff stickers with every set!  In love…

What shades will you choose for your next Spring mani/pedi?

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Spring has sprung and it’s time to update your makeup!  If you are anything like me, you will want to get your new Spring makeup for under $20.  Take a look at my picks for the best new products to breathe life into your makeup routine.  Time to get your shopping shoes on and add some pizzazz to your eyes, lips, and face!

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Sephora + Pantone Universe Graphic Sculpt Waterproof Jumbo Eyeliner - A must-have for Spring, this long-lasting eyeliner is so easy to use.  Make a bold statement with Emerald, the 2013 Color of the Year!  Sephora     $17.00

Flower Beauty Shadow Play Eyeshadow Quad in Face the Grey - This new line of makeup from Drew Barrymore brings beautiful Spring color in quads.  The purples and greys will be your ticket to your newest smoky eye.  Walmart $9.98

Khroma Beauty Honey Pots Lip Conditioner in Rose Tint - Looking for just a bit of color and softer lips for Spring?  Try this new honey flavored lip balm from the Kardashian girls! Ulta $7.49

Sephora Collection Pastel Pop Color Adapt Blush - A little customized color for your cheeks!  This rosy shade uses cherry extract for healthy color that reacts to your skin.  Great for applying on the go! Sephora $14.00

Benefit Cosmetics Triple Glammy - The lipgloss junkie in me is craving this set of three glosses with tons of shine.  Wear them alone or mix and match to make your own signature color! Ulta $18.00

Real Colors Smolder-Eyes Shadow Palette in Faux Pas - Create a stir with this palette of shadows in bright colors!  Use a wet eyeliner brush with these shadows to get an even bolder look along the lash line.  Sally Beauty $8.99

bareMinerals Flawless Definition Mascara in Aqua Blast - Grab this limited edition mascara for a fabulous way to add fresh color to your eyes without going overboard.  Flutter those pretty (and defined) aqua lashes! Bare Escentuals $18.00

Maybelline ColorSensational Lip Color in Very Cherry - The newest red from Maybelline has me head over heels!  A red lip is the quickest way to channel sexy and you need Very Cherry for date night (or girls night)!  Walgreens $7.99

Almay Smart Shade Powder Blush in Pink - Add a pretty pink flush to your cheeks with this “smart” blush that blends three shades to make the perfect color.  The polka dot pattern is too cute!  Drugstore.com $11.49

Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Lip Gloss in Rosy Dawn - The newest addition from Burt’s Bees is your answer to “your lips but better”.  This universally flattering shade could be your go-to lip gloss this season! CVS $8.99

Physicians Formula Cashmere Wear Ultra Smoothing Bronzer - Get a head start on your glow and add this new bronzer to your makeup routine!  The 100% Pure Cashmere extract will give you softness and a bit of color just where you need it.  Walmart $12.97

Which products will you put in your shopping cart for Spring?

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Awards season might be over, but it doesn’t mean you can’t treat yourself like a starlet. Nestled in the famed Beverly Hilton (home to the Grammy’s and other star studded events) is the Belleza Salon where chairs have seen the likes of Sharon Osbourne, Catherine McPhee, Julianna Ranic and more. Just walking from the parking lot through the lobby, you’re bound to see someone famous. I was lucky enough to catch a glimpse of Hayden Paniterie poolside while there.

Walk ins are welcomed but be sure you book ahead for stylist to the stars, Kelley Krueger. If you want to judge a stylist by her own hair, Kelley’s long ombre-colored curled locks and side swept bangs are a great indication of her work.

I went in knowing I need a change. Since the birth of my son a few years ago, my hair has totally changed. It’s now lack luster and the brunette color is more mousy than marvelous. To make matters worse, my current pregnancy is leaving my locks lifeless.
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Kelley took one look and knew what to do:

Add more layers.
Thin out sections of my heavy hair.
Make a more defined bang so that even if I wore it in a pony tail, I’d still look styled.
Create a wash and go look that would be just as fetching styled as it would air-dried.

But the treatment that really revitalized my tresses was the moisture rich color rinse that was chosen just a shade darker than my natural hair color. It is semi permanent, but safe for pregnant women as it is all-natural and protein packed. It provided a luster and sheen that I hadn’t seen in my hair for several months.

A few snips and a blow out later, I was a new woman. Speaking of blow out, this woman has skills. She walked me throw every step so that I could easily recreate the look at home. So often that’s my frustration when going to a salon. I can never get it to look as good as it did when first styled. But with Kelley’ tips and a little practice, I know I can get there.

As seen on ABC 7 eyewitness news, she offers a blow dry boot camp to helps moms achieve salon results at home. Worth checking out if your part of the round brush challenged crowd like I was.

Pricing is based on hair type and cut, but starts at $50. And color rinse start at $40. Parking is validated for three hours, so take your time.

Hungry? Thirsty? Order lunch or a cocktail from the popular Trader Vics http://www.beverlyhilton.com/Dining/trader_vic.asp while getting your treatment and make an afternoon of it.

Moms, share your hair make over stories with us. How did you get the life back into your locks post baby?

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Want a peek into my make up bag? Check out which products are must-haves for staying beautiful while still keeping it simple!

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Lately I have been on a quest to edit my make up bag and keep it under control. One of the ways I have streamlined my beauty bag is with the NP Set Gorgeous-to-Go Palette. This little palette has 12 eyeshadows, 3 lip products, 2 face products and a large mirror. With its large mirror I almost have everything I need right there!

A long-time favorite face powder is my Origins Multi-Grain Make Up. I never leave home without it and highly recommend it for anyone with oily skin! Another must in my bag is my Boscia Green Tea Blotting Liners. I love these blotting papers, they are my back-up when I start looking shiny. I can use these when it wouldn’t be appropriate to whip out my face powder.

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My favorite mascara these days is The Rocket Volum’ Express by Maybelline. This new mascara has a fat brush for fantastic volume (no clumps) in a hurry, love it! Previously a fan of high-end eye primers, I recently discovered the Wet n Wild Fergie Eyeshadow Primer. I am astounded at the abilities of this little cheapie! It has pretty much replaced my expensive primers.

Promise you won’t judge me when I tell you I never have less than 3 lip glosses in my bag? Right now, these are the 3 that I would bring to a desert island: NARS - Candy SaysUrban Decay - Midnight CowboyHard Candy Glossaholic - Icing. You may see a pattern here: I can never get enough of my champagne shimmers! I think these shades are very flattering, easy to wear, and so sexy!  I always keep my Tweezerman Brow Definer/Highlighter Duo on hand, too.  You would be surprised what a little brow color and highlight will do for your face in a pinch.

One thing that always seems to be in my make up bag is lotion. It really doesn’t matter what season it is, my hands are always dry. My current favorite is Burt’s Bees Milk & Honey Body Lotion, it is non-greasy and works fast to heal dry skin. I always have my Burt’s Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream on-hand, too. Your cuticles can never have too much love and it smells like lemon bars, yum! As for fragrance, while I have a million favorites in rotation Forever Red from Bath & Body Works just has my heart. This little purse-size version has a permanent spot in my make up bag as the scent is so intoxicating. I am always wanting just one more spritz!

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Last, but certainly not least, my make up bag would not be complete without my Aveeno Ultra Calming Makeup Wipes. Before I found these, I never used make up wipes as they were always too harsh or didn’t work at all. These are the best facial wipes, large in size with the freshest fragrance, and SO SOFT! They are gentle enough to double in my mom bag as facial wipes for my kids. Needless to say, they have become an absolute necessity.

I hope you enjoyed this peek into my current make up bag. I’d love to know what products you keep in yours, so leave me a comment to let me know!

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Not only is Coconut super delicious to eat or drink (pina colada please) but the luscious fragrance is truly my happy place.  Previously, we discussed Avocado in our beauty products.  This month, let’s discuss the beauty benefits of Coconut!

Coconut – Coconut can be an amazing moisturizer for all skin types, even aging skin. It can also help in the treatment of  dermatitis, and other skin infections.  Due to its antioxidant properties, Coconut oil also helps to prevent premature aging.  In addition, it can do wonders for the hair adding shine.

Let’s look at just a few products you can try to enjoy the benefit of Coconut to your skin and hair:

Cleanser:  Lavanila The Healthy Body Wash 2-in-1 Shower and Shave - Besides the fact that I love a double-duty product, this all natural product is filled with goodness. With Coconut Oil and 100% natural fragrance, you can be certain you will exit the shower fully moisturized, smooth, and fresh. Lavanila, $14.00

Beauty Oil:  NARS Monoi Body Glow II - The refined coconut extract infused in this oil keep your skin glowing.  The natural fragrance will have you hooked!  Sephora, $59.00

coconut

Deodorant:  LUSH Coconut Deodorant Powder - With four different varieties of coconut extract, this all natural deodorant sets out to keep you dry and fresh.  Use it on your feet too!  Lush, $7.95

Lip Balm:  Pacifica Coconut Pearls Luminizing Lip Quench - Coconut oil, avocado oil and more provide all that your lips desire!  Expect to be quenched with just a touch of shimmer to brighten your day.  Pacifica Perfume, $9.00

Hair Balm:  The Body Shop Coconut Oil Hair Shine - This moisturizing balm made with pure Coconut oil will keep the frizz at bay.  At this price, it is a steal and a nice way to get an island getaway fix!  The Body Shop, $10.00

Are you ready to add a little Coconut to your life?

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