Who doesn’t love the spicy scents of the season, right?  But you have to admit, summery scents are always welcome.  Enter the newest creations from Jurlique:  Body Wash and Lotion in the gorgeous scents of Rose, Lavender, Citrus and (here it is!) Jasmine.

I have been lucky enough to sample the latter and, let me tell you, it is delicious.  The Shower Gel is thick and rich and foamy.  And the Body Lotion – which on first impression seems a little thin – is actually very hydrating and leaves skin incredible smooth.  Really!  But my favorite part of the whole experience is the luscious scent.  Subtly, fresh Jasmine that actually smells like the real deal and not a plastic imitation because it is made from natural essential oils rather than synthetic fragrance.  Leaves you smelling yummy all day.

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Summer may be gone for now, but certain bits of it last on:  memories, vacation photos……new sun spots. 

Several visitors have written to me asking for help reducing the appearance of sun spots and freckles.  Though nothing short of completely avoiding the sun will totally keep spots at bay, being liberal with the sunscreen and choosing a few targeted products will definitely help.

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It seems the moment cooler weather arrives our skin and hair feel the affects; dry, rough hands, tight skin and fly-aways.  Not to worry, there are remedies for these problems.  By adding a few products or ingredients to your existing regimen, you will be flake and fly-away free in no time.

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In celebration of their newly obtained organic certification, Bubble & Bee Organic is giving away a of couple fabulous (and brand new) products.  Get a free Rude Raspberry Lip Balm with any purchase.  Purchase over $35 worth of goodies and get a Lotion Stick as well.  Buy over $65 and they will even throw in free shipping.

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If there is one thing everyone can agree on it is that water is all important to our health and good looks.  Sure, sometimes you feel like something a little more exciting than a glass of straight up h20.  But it can be difficult to avoid sugar and sugar-substitutes in flavored waters, ingredients you definitely do not need to add to your health plan.  Fortunately, there are two great (and healthy) alternatives for flavored water lovers. 

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Admittedly, I did start with professional waxing (eyebrows are as far as I go) but after a few sketchy results, decided to take on this grooming ritual myself.  And I do not mind a bit.  It is easy to get the hang of, you can get the look you want without having to explain it to someone else, and can deal with the temporary redness while sleeping rather than walking around that way for a day.

That said, I was uncomfortable with the ingredients in the product I was using.  And then, along came MOOM.  Made with USDA certified 100% Organic and beneficial food-grade ingredients: Cane sugar, Lemon Juice, Chamomile Tea, and essential oils.  This hair remover has the consistency of honey and smells like something you could spread on toast.

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Made from distilled flower hydrosols and pure spring water from the slopes of Hawaii’s Haleakala volcano, this refreshing tonic encourages cell growth and collagen production. Healing jasmine (often used as a mood elevator) and rose (a natural anti-inflammatory that helps to soothe and calm dry, sensitive skin) provide gentle moisture and balance to tired, irritated skin. 

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The perfect little candle recently made its way across my desk (and on to my vanity) and is the lovely and luxurious scent of fresh island plumeria.    And who is the creator of such a deliciously scented room enhancer?  None other than (straight from the tropics) Malie Organics.  Made from clean-burning soy and kukui oils, it is petroleum-free and burns by way of cotton wick for a nice long 60 hours.  Comes in a simple glass container with nothing but the tasteful, gold Malie symbol on the front.  Chic and elegant.

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What a perfect time for a shoe sale.  Simple Shoes is currently offering many of their popular styles at special clearance prices – and we are talking dirt cheap here!  Boys Innertube shoes and the adorable GT Janie for girls are each marked at $8.99 and Skippies are just $7.90.  And while you are at it, grab a pair for yourself and baby. 

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It is that time of year again when we all want to banish bumps, spots, imperfections and even (gasp!) cellulite.  You just get your facial care system down for the warmer weather months and it seems that the skin on our bodies goes into shock.  Or at least the first time we have to put on a bathing suit, that is.  Let’s face it, it has been all covered up for months now, getting ignored and neglected.  It is time for a little pampering.

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A blend of Madagascar vanilla, freesia petal, patchouli and heliotrope, the frangrance is made of pure essential oils.  This delicious, slightly-spicy scent mellows when it soaks into the skin.  Leaves you with a lovely, warm, natural fragrance that lasts all day.

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At Janika they believe that nature provides us with the best in life, so of course, their line of pure skin care products is nothing but natural.  Janika, a new skin care company out of Australia, uses active botanicals, vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids and amino acids in their products to nourish and revitalize the skin.

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Eye creams truly are designed specifically for the delicate area surrounding the eye, where signs of aging usually show up first.  You want something moisturizing – but not too greasy, cooling – but not irritating, and smoothing while leaving skin soft and supple. 

There are many terrific organic and all natural eye creams on the market today that do a bang up job on all of the above.  And I do have my favorites, but…am always willing to try another.

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Packed with vitamin E, shea butter and jojoba oil to keep delicate lips in top form.  Innovative soft-to-the-touch packaging makes them a pleasure to use and the cool sphere design is so utterly modern that you will leave them sitting around just for the pleasure of looking at them.

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Vegetable emulsifying wax is widely used in a variety of skin care, hair care and cosmetic products as an emulsifier (keeps oil and water from separating) because it is easy to work with and relatively inexpensive.  Sounds harmless enough, right?  You may be surprised to find out that it is actually a chemical cocktail and not the natural ingredient the name implies.  Stephanie Greenwood of Bubble & Bee Organic did some research on this innocuous sounding ingredient and found that it is actually made up of Cetearyl Alcohol (a blend of cetyl and steareth alcohol), Polysorbate 60, PEG-150 Stearate and Steareth-20.  Not sounding quite so natural now.

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Not long ago, I wrote a post on argan oil and its many beauty benefits.  From anti-aging and antioxidant properties to hair and nail treatments, this oil is a wonder ingredient.  Safe and natural, light and hydrating, argan oil has many uses in the beauty world.  But the argan tree and its fruits have a long history with Moroccan women that goes beyond beauty.

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I have always loved the idea of aromatherapy and at times (headache, extreme stress…) have tried it.  But the idea of having to 1) research which essential oils are appropriate for which need, and 2) buy and combine said oils without coming up with something obnoxious, sounded like more than I wanted to take on.  And even though essential oils can be very beneficial they are also very potent and care needs to be taken when using them.

Not long ago Stancie Wilson reported on Nuworld Botanicals Aromatherapy Personals on her blog Fig+Sage, and I just had to try them.  They are little rollerball vials that combine aromatherapy and acupressure, along with health benefits of antioxidants, vitamins and 100% certified organic essential oils.  Nuworld Botanicals uses a base of 100% certified organic Jojoba oil to dilute the essential oils for safe use.

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The first time I used Suzanne aux bains Nourishing Body Milk I really didn’t put much thought into it, until later that is.  I  received a sample sachet and quickly applied some of the lotion to my arms and shoulders on the way out the door.  Later, as I was getting ready for bed, I couldn’t help but notice how soft and smooth my arms were, and had to think back to even remember what I had put on them.  Well, needless to say, I purchased a tube the very next day.

In drier winter months a body cream or butter provides us with a thicker, richer form of hydration for the skin.  In warmer seasons we need to switch to something lighter and more regenerative.  Suzanne aux bains uses Jojoba oil for deeply penetrating hydration and Lavender honey to gently exfoliate the skin.

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Last night, as I was digging through my basket of samples and forgotten purchases I stumbled across a clay mask I was sent a few months ago, and figured “why not?”.  After rinsing the mask off and peering at my fresh, glowing skin in the mirror, I remembered why I used to make time for these things.

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