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Jul 7, 2009
4:39 PM by Joi
Post-Pregnancy Body Issues: Sagging Breasts
Although I'm not a mom yet, I find everything about pregnancy, labor, delivery, and post-pregnancy very interesting. Which is probably why my dream is to be in that realm of nursing, I'm just putting in my dues right now on a medical/surgical floor. Anyway when this e-mail fell into my inbox about Post-Pregnancy Plastic Surgery Issues, I almost dismissed it as a real waste of time. I couldn't understand why anyone would be thinking about altering their body right after performing one of life's little miracles. But then I thought about those women who pregnancy really takes a huge toll on and opened the email because my curiosity got the best of me.
The best part of the entire Plastic Surgery Q&A email with Dr. Nina S. Naidu was the confirmation that breast feeding does not cause sagging breast! Here is the quote: "there was a very interesting study published in the September issue of the Aesthetic Surgery Journal which examined the link between breast feeding and breast sagging, or breast ptosis, and found no relation between the two. While there were many relevant factors including age, smoking history, number of prior pregnancies, and weight, breast feeding was not a factor."
As a nurse these things tend to interest me so I'll include the link to the study for all those who are also interested.
Here is a link to the study:
http://www.aestheticsurgeryjournal.org/article/S1090-820X(08)00208-2/abstract
Now that's it been proven, let's celebrate with some products just for breast feeding mamas!
Natural Nipple Butter from Earth Mama Angel Baby - If you breastfeed properly it should not be painful, but that doesn't mean it will always be pleasant. You may experience sore nippies, this Natural Nipple Butter gives sore and cracked nipples relief by keeping them nourished, protected and moisturized helps you as you nourish your angel baby, naturally.
Nursing Covers - Breastfeeding in public is fine with me as long as it's done in a tasteful manner, the baby has to eat too right? These nursing covers have you covered...literally.
Jul 6, 2009
Eco Chic Bath Products
Introducing Ec~Oooh~Chic, the flower-child sister of Ooohlala of Beverly Hills! Ec~Oooh~Chic is a collection of Organic and Natural lines of bath and body products that do wonders on your skin without the use of any harsh chemicals, parabens, TEA’s or sulfates. Since Ec~Oooh~Chic is a devoted (yet fashionable) tree-hugger, you can rest assured that all products are earth-friendly including the packaging which is either recyclable or is made from recyclable material. Live life chic, beautiful, and smart…Ooohlala!!
Sweet Orange & Lemon Energizing Body Wash is full of essential oils that wake up your nostrils. Aside from the packaging, by scent alone, it could be a unisex body wash. The scent is slightly masculine, but fresh none the less. The body wash lathers very well and rinses easily without leaving a soapy film.
Bohemian Blue Organic Body Lotion has a very light almost undetectable scent once it has been applied to the skin. This lotion is thick and moisturizes well and lasts all day long, which is a plus for brown skinned beauties because we don't have to worry about looking ashy mid-day. Bonus: will not interfere with your perfume or body spritz scent.
Other products from the line include: Grapefruit & Juniperberry Himalayan Salt Scrub, Tangerine & Ginger Sugar Scrub, Sweet Orange & Lemon Enegerizing Body Lotion, Bohemian Blue Organic Body Wash, and Organic White Tea & Shea Butter Shave Cream.
Jul 5, 2009
Jurlique Hand Cream
I am always on the hunt for amazing hand creams because all day long my hands are subject to abuse that dries them out something terrible. If you follow @beautyblvd on twitter you would know I was asking around for recommendations for the best hand cream there is. Practically everyone said Jurlique, so I had to try it out. 
Jurlique Purely Age-Defying Hand Treatment Description: This moisturizing, long-lasting, non-greasy hand cream goes beyond conditioning skin to target the visible signs of aging, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles to give hands a more youthful appearance. The naturally elegant formula combines mineral-rich Melon Extract and Indian Gooseberry to fend off free radicals and prevent the appearance of premature aging. Marshmallow and organic Sunflower Oil hydrate, soften and smooth, while Soy Bean Extract helps protect and repair skin and Turmeric Extract increases firmness, elasticity and smoothness.
Joi's Thoughts: Jurlique Purely Age-Defying Hand Treatment is great! The formula is thick and creamy and smells like a day at the spa. After using it just once, my hands felt soft and moisturized. Be careful, all you need is a little bit to moisturize and soften hands because use too much and not only will you be wasting money you might leave grease marks on paperwork. A small pea sized amount is enough to moisturize both hands, so while it may seem a bit pricey for a hand lotion at $49.00 it will last and last.
$49.00, available at http://www.jurlique.com/
Jul 4, 2009
Top 5 Sunglasses under $150
I'm such a fan of sunglasses, but I really don't like to spend too much money on them because I often lose, break, or misplace them. I've found my top 5 sunglasses under $150.
Von Zipper Alotta in Coral and Gold for $134 available at Zappos.com
Yves Saint Laurent Unisex Aviators for $141.99 available at Overstock.com
Banana Republic Sarena Blue Fade for $78.00 available at Banana Republic Stores.
XL Octagon Sunglasses for $24.00 available online only at UrbanOutfitters.com
Dickies Looper Sunglasses for $22.00 available at Eyesave.com
Jul 3, 2009
Know Before You Go: Waxing 101
Have you ever gone to get a bikini wax and were confused by all the different options available? I recently sent a friend to a spa where I used to get waxed, only to have her tell me that she was not at all happy with the results. Of course you know I was upset, because I recommended this place and then she also got less than perfect service and she didn't get what she was expecting. But after further investigation, she got exactly what she asked for. She asked for a bikini wax, figuring they would take off the majority of the hair, that was the case at the place she normally frequents... $25 bucks and she practically has a Brazilian. Well, this place was nothing like that place and she was upset because $35 later and she still has a bush. Here are the different types of waxes I've encountered and what they mean.
Basic Bikini Wax: Think of a tradition Victoria's Secret cotton panty, whatever stray hairs are on the outside of that panty will be waxed away. This is your grandma's bikini wax, definitely not for the low rise generation.
Playboy Bikini Wax: Think of the red Baywatch bathing suit. Very high cut on the legs, anything that shows on the outside of that bathing suit is waxed away, plus some off the top. I would consider this to be your mom's bikini wax, it's sensible and gets off enough for a full coverage tankini bottom.
Brazilian Bikini Wax: contrary to popular belief, a Brazilian may or may not be a wax where everything comes off. Most well trained and professional waxers will ask whether or not you want the 'landing strip' left or removed. Also, a Brazilian may or may not include waxing of the buttocks as well.
Egyptian Bikini Wax: I have only seen this once, in NYC actually and I had to go into the Spa and ask "what is an Egyptian Bikini Wax?" I was told that unlike the Brazilian that leaves a tiny strip of hair, the Egyptian wax removes any and all hair.
So the moral of the story is to speak up and make sure what you are asking for matches what you are expecting, when in doubt always ask questions. Here are more waxing do's and don'ts straight from Waxing guru Leah Nacion, owner of The Waxing Co. in Hawaii.
DO Forget Razors’ Edge - According to Leah, waxing makes skin softer and it lasts much longer than shaving. It can also seem more hygienic because it creates a cleaner and fresher feel that lasts about four weeks before new growth begins.
DON’T Be Fooled - The simple truth is home waxing kits aren’t as effective. Professional estheticians are trained to know the best conditions under which to wax – with high quality products and excellent technique. Temperature of the wax is important to avoid burning the skin, and high-quality products pull the hair up by the root, which avoids hair breakage that can cause ingrown hairs and discomfort.
DO Prepare - Preparation beforehand is also important. Hot showers and exfoliating softens hairs before waxing making it easier to remove. Leah also suggests applying a topical pain relieving cream to soothe and reduce discomfort. The Waxing Co. uses their special “No Scream Cream”. Ask your estheticians for a similar product to apply. (editors note: I've tried Relax and Wax No Scream Cream and it really only takes a tiny bit of the edge off so DON'T expect it to help out a lot)
DO Shape It Up - Shaping up that down-there hair doesn’t mean only daring to go bare – there are other options … creative ones. Waxing into shapes or designs is one of Hollywood’s hottest trends. Or add some bikini “bling” with Swarovski crystals in shapes of hearts, initials or stars on the hip.
M2 Skin Care Body Refinisher
Do you treat your body to the same kind of goodies that your face gets? You know the eye creams, serums, lotions, potions, and spot treatments? I know I don't treat my body to lavish treatments as much as I do my face, so when I heard about M2 Body Refinish I had to try it out.
Product Description: M2 Skin Care introduces their NEW Body Refinish. It is designed to smooth and even out skin tone, and reverse the signs of aging. Its unique blend of antioxidants, humectants, and exfoliants transforms dry, sun damaged skin and works wonders on problematic skin conditions like eczema and keratosis pilaris (those pesky bumps on the back of arms). How does it work? Malic acid, derived from apples and pears, and Mandelic Acid, derived from almonds, are effective at treating multiple skin issues- from fine lines to pigmentation and improving overall skin texture. And they are gentle and suitable for all skin types. M2 Body Refinish helps controls the oil in the skin, and protects from redness and irritation. Malic Acid keeps the skin hydrated while fighting the skins’ free radicals that contribute to skin damage and pigmentation. Mandelic & Malic acids also contain collagen-producing properties that repair and rebuild tissue, softening fine lines and wrinkles by maintaining the elasticity and strength of the skin
Key Ingredients & Benefits:
Mandelic Acid is naturally antibacterial so it fights of acne- causing bacteria. Ideal for chest and back break-outs.
Malic Acid moisturizes the skin. Features Vitamin E to protect skin from damaging free radicals.
Sun Flower Seed Oil has powerful moisture retention properties with high concentrations of Vitamin E. It is used clinically due to its ability to strengthen the skins barrier helping to combat irritated skin conditions and infection.
Chlorella Vulgaris has known contents of glycoprotein (basic energy molecules that help in the tissue building process) and has shown to stop the development of potentially hazardous, damaged cells as an anti inflammatory.
Atemesia Vulgaris Extract is a potent natural source of antioxidants that scavenges nitric oxide (one of the most potent free radicals that harm cellular tissues) and has also been shown to increase levels of glutathione and ascorbic acid which are two of the five natural forms of antioxidants found in human skin. Increasing their concentrations is a challenge and M2 has been able to do so. Ascorbic Acid is Vitamin C.
Hyaluronic Acid helps the skin retain moisture (less prone to wrinkling) and serves as an efficient "carrier" of other anti-aging ingredients to cells
Aloe soothes and moisturizes
Co Q10 energizes cells and prevents free-radical and environmental damage to the skin, as well as improves tone, texture and firmness.
Joi's Thoughts: I have been using this like an all over lotion. It sinks it fast, but it does leave my skin a bit sticky and tacky feeling. I have continued to use it because I like stays a bit smoother longer with the lotion, especially my legs. Tip: Do not use immediately after shaving, wait a day or two. It's a bit pricey, but if you have problem skin that could use a little more than traditional lotion try this product. I don't have keratosis pilaris, but I could imagine it's more than just a pesky little problem especially during the summer months, if this can help it's worth a shot. Plus, the packaging is pretty cool, with it's clinical white look with a touch of modern cooper accenting the bottle.
M2 Body Refinish is available online at SkinDirect.com
Jul 2, 2009
Givenchy Peel Me Perfectly
During the summer months I like to slow up just a bit on exfoliating my face like crazy, first off I think I'm scrubbing off my tan and second I just need a bit of a break. Givenchy Peel Me Perfectly is the perfect solution, it's a gentle exfoliating treatment that you use weekly or twice a week at the most.
Product Description: Treat your face to a bout of spring cleaning with this triple action skin refiner. The creamy scrub is made with a combo of physical and chemical exfoliators, plus purifying clay to reduce pore size and provide a noticeable and measurable difference in skin's health. Perfectly smooth micro spheres gently slough away flaky patches, glycolic acid helps promote a more regular cell turnover rate, and natural clay helps draw impurities out of pores. The result is an evenly textured glowing and radiant complexion.
Joi's Thoughts: At first I was nervous that because the product does have a fragrance that I might just break out, but luckily there were no breakouts in sight. The texture of Givenchy Peel Me Perfectly is thick and creamy with a small amount of tiny little scrubbies in there. I apply it to my entire face (avoiding my eye area) with my fingertips massaging it in gently and then I let it sit for about 30 seconds to a minute depending on how much of a rush I'm in. I use a wet muslin cloth to massage it in further and then I rinse my face. After using the product my face feels clean, smooth, and soft.
Givenchy Peel Me Perfectly is available at Sephora.com
Jul 1, 2009
Beautiful Body: Summer Fitness Tips
Celebrity trainer, Brett Hoebel, best known for transforming the bodies of Victoria’s Secret models Doutzen Kroes and Karolina Kurkova, along with celebs like America Ferrara, Emmy Rossum, Veronica Webb and others, has some great tips to keep you tight and trim this season.
Brett knows that diet and fitness are both important to look great! Check out these tips to stay looking great this summer season.
Diet Tips
* If you don’t want to cut out the alcohol completely, try switching to less caloric drink options: light beer, drinks on the rocks, and club soda instead of tonic or sugary mixers
* Try to stay away from, what Brett calls the “White Devils” during your summer parties: sugar, flour, rice, milk, and salt. Instead use agave, a natural sweetner, whole grain rolls, brown rice salads, and Celtic sea salt as a seasoning.
* For long, hot days eat fresh whole fruit for energy instead of drinking fruit juice. Even make smoothies using Almond Milk and fresh fruit!
Exercise
When all you want to do is hit the beach, it’s still important to get your workouts in. Brett has developed shorter workouts that combine strength training with anaerobic-interval training.
Follow the Tri-Set below and you’ll be ready for a day in the sun!
1. Compound Lower Body
§ Start holding a dumbbell or just hands placed together (like a clap) up near right shoulder
1. Compound Lower Body
§ Start holding a dumbbell or just hands placed together (like a clap) up near right shoulder
§ Lunge with left foot forward while “chopping” dumbbell (or hands) down and across body to outside of left hip
§ Arms should remain straight during downward chop and upward return of arms to starting position
§ Without any rest period, move on to next exercise
2. Compound Upper Body
§ Single Leg Push Ups, 10-12 reps per side with moderate to challenging weight
§ Single Leg Push Ups, 10-12 reps per side with moderate to challenging weight
§ Without any rest period, move on to next exercise
3. Anaerobic Interval Cardio
§ Run in place with high knees, 30-60 seconds
§ Run in place with high knees, 30-60 seconds
§ Say the alphabet: if you don’t have to pause for a breath every five letters, you didn’t work hard enough
§ REST for 60-120 second
4. Repeat routine 3-4 times total
Rock the Look: Alicia Keys @ BET Awards 09
Did you watch this years BET awards? I did and I was less than impressed with the entire production, but what did catch my eye was the incredible makeup on some of the celebrities. Alicia Key's lipgloss was to DIE for, it was the perfect coral color with the exact amount of shine needed to create a beautiful pout. So I had to do some digging to find the right contact to get the makeup info, and I'm telling you ... it's difficult to find the PR people for brown skinned beauties. Anyway, on to the makeup.
Makeup artist Ashunta Sheriff gives Beauty Blvd. readers the breakdown:
Inspiration: Moroccan inspired due to her recent trip there in May for the Mawaline Festival. Alicia's short bejeweled shift dress in its soft aqua truly brought out her golden complexion. I wanted to give her a touch of sun kissed glow and Egyptian/Moroccan eyes with coral lips reminiscent of the colors of a Moroccan Paradise.
You guys already know how much I LOVE anything Moroccan, so I'm really digging the Moroccan inspiration for this look.
Skin: Mary Kay Oil Free Hydrating Gel to make skin supple and soft. Oil of Olay Illuminating Eye Cream to diminish imperfections, Naked Cosmetics Shadow Base, Laura Mercier Mineral Primer.
Face: Mary Kay oil free Tinted Moisturizer in Bronze 1, Mary Kay Concealer in Bronze 1, Black Opal translucent finishing powder, Cover Girl Queen Collection Natural Hue Mineral Bronzer in Light Bronze.
Eyes: Egyptian inspired eyes using Jane Iredale 24 Karat gold shimmer in the inner corner of the eyes, Naked Cosmetics eye color is EC15 Green in the outer corner and lower lash line.I used Makeup Forever Gold Cream on the lid to give Alicia a Cleopatra eye affect. I used Styli Style 24 hour Black Liquid Liner and completed the look by adding 3 coats of Dior Show Black mascara on top and bottom lashes.
Lips: Mary Kay Coral Lip liner I lined and filled lips in then used BeingTRUE lip gloss an all natural organic brand in Coral to give Alicia a beautiful coral pout.
Cheeks: I made cheeks pop by applying Mary Kay Strawberry Cream mineral blush on the apples.
Body: my secret weapon body glow mix is a combination of Dior Bronze Sun Powder Spray, Smashbox Bodylights body Lotion shimmer and Girlactik Beauty Gold Shimmer powder. The combination gave Alicia an amazing bronzed sun kissed glow to make her legs and decollete look flawlessly stunning.
Rock the Look: Tatyana Ali @ BET Awards 09
Not a star you see everyday, but still one of my personal favorites ever since Fresh Prince! Her makeup was done by Ashunta Sheriff, here is the breakdown:
Inspiration: Bollywood Princess, bringing out more of Tatyana's Indian heritage I used metallic earth tones to shape and frame her eyes. Radiant bronzed skin works for her toffee complexion and an iridescent nude topped the look off.
Skin: prepped skin with Mary Kay Oil free hydrating gel to moisturise skin, Elizabeth Arden Gold Ceramide Capsules using as a primer plus it makes skin glow, Mary Kay Eye Primer so eye shadow last for hours on end, LaVanilla Lip balm because it hydrates lips and smells so good.
Face: I used Mary Kay Tinted Moisturizer in Bronze 2, Black Opal Concealer and translucent pressed finishing powder to keep skin shine free and polished. Cover Girl Queen Collection Natural Hue Mineral Bronzer in Brown Bronze to sculpt and shape face.
Eyes: Mary Kay Cinnabar Mineral eye shadow on lids, MAC Pigment in gold and vanilla in inner corner of eyes and brow bone to highlight. Makeup Forever Aqua Colors Black Eye Liner and Cover Girl Lash Blast Mascara for extra lush and thick lashes. For red carpet glam I added Ja'maal Buster Eye Lash Guru Lashes called 2nd Date Guaranteed which are vampy sexy lash that really opens eyes.
Lips: Mary Kay Lip liner in Chocolate with Mary Kay Sugar berry nourishine lip gloss.
Cheeks: Bare Escentuals Flowers Blush applied to apples of her cheeks to make them pop.
Body: Palmers Organic Olive Oil Body Cream and Smashbox Body lights Lotion body shimmer to make her legs look flawless.
Sweet Smelling Deodorant
Usually, I'm not much of a fan of sweet smelling deodorants. I tend to prefer the baby powder scent over everything else, until I came across Ban Limited Edition Vanilla Twist. The scent reminds me of a Cold Stone Very Vanilla Milkshake and I love those. Plus, it has 19% of the active ingredient which means you stay drier than other anti-perspirant - deodorants. I was a bit skeptical to try out a Ban product, because I really have never purchased Ban before but I'm glad to report back that it does work to keep me dry, (even without using my favorite night time deodorant-antiperspirant Certain Dri.)
Another great Ban product: Ban Clinical Defense Roll On for 24 hour wetness protection. Just in case you're wondering, it's not all runny and wet - don't you just HATE that?!?
