My Favorite Lip Gloss

Rose Bud Salve... It's been around for Centuries and I've been a fan for years. Never am I without my favorite lip gloss, It conditions lips, tastes of the sweet scent of roses and will last about a year! If you have yet to try this divine product, Rush out and grab one. It's also made by the fabulous C.O. Bigelow, my favorite pharmacy in New York! Retails for $6.00

Organic Nail Salon: Recess

The Recess Difference

SANITATION:

We Autoclave all metal implements -

Medical grade sanitation used in hospitals, to prevent the spread of fungus, infections and viruses that are commonly spread through nail salons, such as Hepatitis C and Staph Infection

Never Re-Use Files, Foot Files, Buffers, Orangewood Sticks and Pedicure Liners

Use Pedicure Basins w/Liners -

to eliminate unsanitary conditions that exist when using a “spa pedicure” chair with a hot tub. Imagine the ring around your bathtub and how clean you can get that without harsh bleach?

YOUR HEALTH:

Superior Ventilation System -

Will recycle the air frequently, so you aren’t breathing other peoples’ nail filings or inhaling toxic fumes.

No Parabens -

Parabens are a synthetic preservative linked to breast cancer and reproductive problems found in most household toiletries. Women should take caution.

No “Big 3” Toxins- DBP, Toluene, & Formaldehyde

DBP -

Dibutyl Phthalate makes nail polish flexible but has adverse effects on the development of the reproductive tract in males. It is already banned in Europe

Toluene -

is a nervous system toxin that helps nail polish go on evenly

Formaldehyde -

is detrimental to your lungs, throat and nose, but is used to harden polish and prevent chipping. *Some labels state that formaldehyde isn’t added as an ingredient; however, the polish still contains a “formaldehyde resin”

SERVICE:

Customized Treatments -

Each client gets to customize their treatment of soaks, lotions, scrubs, and essential oils in the scent of their choice. Technicians will analyze their skin and nail condition and recommend the perfect combination for each client.

Organic Products -

Recess’ line of products are used during services and are derived from natural and organic ingredients

Superior Nail Technicians -

Only the most professional and experienced technicians are employed to customize services for each client.

Fluent in English -

Our technicians speak fluent English so you can communicate your spa needs comfortably.

Privacy Option -

Clients have the luxury of closing the drapery between service chairs in order to relax in private

THE ENVIRONMENT:

Environmentally Friendly Construction -

The space is designed with recycled materials and a sustainable design to reduce environmental impact so you can feel good about yourself on the inside as well as the outside.

www.Recess-La.Com

Ensuring a Safe Manicure & Pedicure

Millions of women (and a few men) visit nail salons regularly to have their nails done. Unfortunately, occasionally the result of having manicures or pedicures is developing nail fungus or bacterial infections that can not only look bad, but also may also feel even worse. A few simple steps before your next salon service can significantly lower your risk of developing a painful nail infection or fungus, or worse, a more serious disease.

Check out the salon for cleanliness and safety precautions. Don't be afraid to ask for a quick tour if you are considering a new salon, or asking the owner or manager of your current salon what steps they take to ensure safety. And take a look around. Does the salon look clean and sanitary? Is the trash container properly bagged and covered? Is the floor clean? Are the manicure tables kept neat and tidy? Is there good light? Look at the disinfectant containers and make sure that they are clear, clean, and free of debris.

Next, check the station where your service will take place. Ask if all instruments are cleaned and disinfected (even better: autoclaved) after each use, and if you need proof, have the technician show you the cleaning area or solution. Does he or she use fresh, clean instruments on each client? Make sure all files, buffers, and anything else that touches you is freshly clean before you allow the technician to begin. Also, the technician should wash his or her hands before and after each client, or wear fresh gloves. Clean towels should be used for every client.

Avoid having your cuticles cut. Cuticles serve a purpose -- they protect the nail bed from allowing infection to enter. If you like how your nails look with them pushed back, ask for cuticle softener, rather than cuticle scissors. After the cuticles are softened, the technician can wipe away, or gently scrape away, the excess with a fresh orangewood stick.

Pedicures can be a bit riskier because of the hot water and tub. Make sure the tub is thoroughly drained, cleaned, and disinfected between clients. The steps where clients typically step with bare feet also should be cleaned and disinfected between clients.

One way to avoid many of these concerns is to buy your own manicure or pedicure kit and bring it with you. Make sure you clean and disinfect your kit after each use, even if you are the only one using it. You also can bring your own nail polish, base coat, and top coat. Remove your old nail polish at home, or bring nail polish remover with you.

The salon and technician should both be licensed by their state governing board, usually the board of cosmetology. The licenses should be clearly displayed.

If sanitary precautions are not being taken at your salon, politely but firmly tell the owner what needs to change and what you expect. Contact your state cosmetology board if you develop a nail infection, fungus, or other condition as a result of visiting a salon, or if you see unsanitary practices. - Lisa Palladino

WIFE Rule #10

THE WIFE Always has perfectly manicured Nails and Toes.
Especially Women who are newly engaged. When showing off your new Diamond ring you do not want people to have to look at your jagged hang nails and uneven nail beds.

Now manicures can be costly, especially if you treat yourself once a week. An alternative would be to give yourself an at home manicure 

( see next post ).

My Nail Routine:
I always make sure my cuticles are cut, Nails are filed and even.
Paint them with a base coat ( Sally Hansen's Maximum growth ) To keep my Nails Healthy and Strong.
Then use Essie's "Sugar Daddy" Nail Polish. "Sugar Daddy" is a great sheer pink color that is normally used for french manicures. It naturally makes your nails look healthy and gives them a bit of an extra shine.

Sally Hansen's Maximum Growth Base coat 

Available at Target 

www.SallyHansen.Com

Essie's "Sugar Daddy"
Available at Ulta 

www.Essie.Com

The at Home Manicure

If your anything like me, French manicures are the best, They make nails look longer and more elegant and classic. I never use color on my nails... But always maintain Chanel's Classic Red on my Toes.

Get compliment-worthy hands at home with these tips from esthetic expert Marie Scalogna.

Remove. Take off old color with acetone polish remover on a cotton ball. (Note: Don’t use a tissue, it will fall apart and doesn’t absorb the remover well.)

Trim. Cut and file nails to your length of choice. As for shape, there are two main options: square or rounded. And neither form will chip more than the other.

Soak. Rest hands in a bowl of warm water for five minutes. Add two tablespoons of a bath powder or your favorite liquid soap to soften nails. Make sure the water’s not too hot or it will dry out your hands and nails. (If you don't have time, you can skip this step.)

Soften. Apply cuticle oil or lotion on dry hands to nourish and soften rough spots.

Push. Use a cuticle or Popsicle stick to press cuticles back so they don’t get in the way of the polish. Some people prefer to cut their cuticles for aesthetic purposes, Scalogna explains, but it’s best not to do this at home. “Unless you’re a professional, you’re going to end up with cuts all along the side of your nails,” she says. “Just push them back and keep it easy.”

Scrub. Exfoliate hands with a body scrub or homemade mixture of olive oil and kosher salt or raw sugar. Scrub for two to three minutes, then wash thoroughly.

Moisturize. Dry hands and apply a rich moisturizer.

Polish. Apply a base coat first, then apply two thin coats of polish. Finish with a top coat

Helpful Hints:

• If you don’t have time to paint your nails, just take off the polish and moisturize. It will look much better than chipped paint.
• No file on hand? Use the rough edge of a match book.
• If you don’t have cuticle oil, olive oil works just as well.
• Light polish is easier to maintain than dark polish – chips and cracks aren’t as noticeable.
• Keep polish in a cool, dry place, like the fridge. It’ll last longer.

Natural Bug Repellents

Green Bug Repellents

It's warming up, the bugs are here,
Send them buzzing away in fear,
Use repellents made the eco-friendly way,
Insects don't like green blood anyways!
Buzz Off...Naturally!

As the weather warms up, nature's dinner bell starts to ring and pesky insects everywhere
begin to lick their chops. Spoil their human feast by using eco-friendly insect repellents
that meet a few important guidelines.

* Stay away from products that contain the chemical DEET, which can cause headaches and severe long-term health problems.

* Use repellents that contain natural plant-derived oils such as citronella, tea tree, neem, jojoba, pennyroyal, noni, soybean, thyme, lavender, or lemon eucalyptus.

* You can even make your own green insect repellent. In a spray bottle, mix 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/3-cup witch hazel, and 5 drops of citronella, Eucalyptus oil, or any of the other essential plant oils. Shake vigorously and store in the refrigerator.

* Many eco-friendly repellents are available nationwide. Some examples include Second Skin Naturals, California Baby, Badger Balm, and Repel Lemon Eucalyptus.

For More Tips for Living Green
www.Smart2beGreen.Com

All Natural Bug Spray

Just In Time for Summer. Keep you and your Family Protected from Pesky bugs with these natural Bug Repellents.

Our 100% natural blend of bug-fighting oils repels even the most stubborn of pests. Rosemary, Lemongrass, and Citronella oils mix with 5 other oils that bugs hate, creating an all natural solution for keeping them away. Since there’s no DEET in this formula, it’s safe enough to apply with confidence to children and pets.

Apply liberally to exposed skin, particularly your ankles, legs, arms and hairline before venturing outdoors

$8.00

Made with an all-natural blend of essential oils, this balm quickly soothes pesky bug bites. Camphor and menthol relieve pain and itching, while lemongrass, thyme, lavender and orange oils reduce discomfort.

Apply directly to your bite or sting, rubbing gently, and reapply as needed.

$6.00

www.BurtsBees.Com

Add California Baby®'s Natural Bug Blend™ Bug Repellent Spray to your fight against bug bites! It’s a safe and natural alternative to toxic bug repellent chemicals, Citronella, lemongrass and cedar do not cause harm to humans, pets or the environment. Our DEET free natural formula repels bugs such as fleas, mosquitoes, ticks and biting flies. California Baby® Natural Bug Spray does double duty helping to soothe existing bites with herbs that are specific to the healing of the skin. California Baby® uses only the finest quality, traditionally recommended oils that are safe, gentle, and effective. California Baby®'s essential oils are guaranteed pesticide free and sustainably grown.

$13.50

www.CaliforniaBaby.Com

My Favorite Winter Perfume...

This Perfume Always reminds me of the time I spent in London for 6 months. My Darling friend, Louie Waymouth, Gave me a Diptyque Tuberose Candle, and thrown into the little gift bag was a sample of Do Son By Diptyque. My nose Immediatly feel in love with this light Wintery scent.

Do Son By Diptyque $75.00 - 105.00

For your Little Girls: Piggy Paint

Piggy Paint is the Perfect Product to introduce to your little girls who keep dabbling in your beauty products. Piggy Paint Nail Polish is Non Toxic, Odorless, Water-based formula that is hypoallergenic and come in Fun vibant colors. It dries hard and has a durable finish. 

Nail Polish starts at 9.99 Each.

www.PiggyPaint.Com

Avene Thermal Spring Water

Thermal spring water - A 40-year journey in the Cevennes Mountain allows the water in Avène acquire the perfectly balanced mineral composition and becomes gradually enriched with the trace elements and silicates. The water is the only thermal spring water directly connected from the source to the Hydrotherapy Center and the manufacturing plant next to the Center. The first time it sees the light is when it touches your skin!

• Rich in silica to soothe and soften skin
• Protects and purifies skin
• The optimal calcium/magnesium ratio provides anti-oxidant protection
• Naturally bacteriologically pure

This has been my favorite beauty products for the last 7 years. I was turned onto it by my Dermotologist in High school. I use it after I wash my face and before hydrating with a moisturizer. Also they Produce this product in cute mini spray bottles, perfect to take when traveling, to make sure your skin stayed hydrated.

$11.00 for 150ml, Available at CVS.
Visit AveneUsa.Com

Why Sunscreen is Important

UV Radiation and Wrinkles
Both UVA and UVB radiation cause wrinkles by breaking down collagen, creating free radicals, and inhibiting the natural repair mechanisms of the skin. A popular classification system of sun-sensitivity is the Skin phototype classification. People with skin types I and II are at the highest risk for Photo aging effects including wrinkles and skin cancer. The proper use of sunscreen to block both UVA and UVB radiation is an important weapon in the battle against wrinkles.

Sunscreen Ingredients
Sunscreens ingredients can be divided into compounds that physically block radiation or compounds that absorb radiation. The radiation blockers are very effective at reducing the exposure of the skin to both UVA and UVB radiation. Older formulations like zinc oxide are opaque and may be cosmetically unacceptable. However, a newer formulation of micronized titanium dioxide is not as opaque and provides excellent protection. The radiation absorbing ingredients are differentiated by the type of radiation they absorb UVA absorbers and UVB absorbers.

Picking the Proper Sunscreen
The SPF measures the amount of UVB absorption, but there is no method of reporting the UVA absorption. The only way to determine if a sunscreen protects against UVA and UVB radiation is to look at the ingredients. A good broad-spectrum sunscreen should have an SPF of at least 15 and contain avobenzone, titanium dioxide, or zinc oxide.

Applying Sunscreen Properly
Most people use sunscreen improperly by not applying enough. They apply only 25% to 50% of the recommended amount. Sunscreen should be applied liberally enough to all sun-exposed areas that it forms a film when initially applied. It takes 20-30 minutes for sunscreen to be absorbed by the skin, so it should be applied at least a half an hour before going out in the sun. Sunscreen should also be the last product applied especially on the face since some sunscreens can break down in the presence of water contained in water-based foundations and moisturizers.

Reapplying Sunscreen
Most instructions on sunscreen labels recommend reapplying sunscreen "frequently", but the definition of "frequently" is vague. A common instruction is to reapply sunscreen after 2-4 hours in the sun. However, one study has shown that reapplying sunscreen 20 to 30 minutes after being in the sun is more effective than waiting 2 hours. It is possible that this time period is more effective because most people do not apply enough sunscreen initially, and this second application approximates the actual amount needed. Sunscreen should also be reapplied after swimming, excessive sweating, or toweling.

Daily Sunscreen
Sunscreen should be applied daily. The daily use of a low-SPF sunscreen (15) has been shown to be more effective in preventing skin damage than the intermittent use of a higher SPF sunscreen.

Aveeno SunScreen

Aveeno Continuous Protection Sunblock Lotion for the face with SPF 30

Formulated specifically for the face and to provide better, longer-lasting sun protection. Unlike ordinary sunscreens, this formula combines the patented Active Photobarrier Complex , which maintains protection over time against the sun's harmful rays, with natural soy proteins and vitamins A, C and E to help shield your skin from environmental damage. Additional product benefits include: oil-free, hypoallergenic, noncomedogenic, water resistant, dermatologist-recommended brand, endorsed by the Skin Cancer Foundation.

Available at Target, CVS, Walgreens, Duane Reade, Walmart and Rite Aid, $10.50. Visit www.Aveeno.com for more information.

Marvis Toothpaste

I've recently started using Marvis Jasmine Mint toothpaste... At first when upon buying it I had my reservations about flavored toothpaste. Of course only being routine to original mint since the age of 3. I was pleasantly shocked at how refreshed this toothpaste tastes. Marvis has found the perfect balance between mint and their splendid flavors. It was like brushing my teeth with jasmine tea! And now has become the new permanent resident in my medicine cabinet, keeping my tooth brush company.

Marvis flavors are created by offsetting the aroma of mint, to provide the freshness you need, with innovative notes to offer you a long-lasting pleasurable taste sensation that can be different every day. The

Marvis Formula: White, protected teeth, fresh breath all day long, helps prevent tooth decay, tartar and plaque and also Contains Fluoride.

Flavors:
Classic Strong Mint - Intense and lively, The enticing peppermint favor takes you to a new dimension of long lasting freshness.

Jasmine Mint - A surprising fusion, a harmonious blend of fragrant hints of jasmine delicately mixed with the freshness of mint.

Passion Fruit Mint - Is taste bud heaven. A flavor which blends woody, refreshing hints of sweet and fruity mint.

Aquatic Mint - A touch of marine freshness: A delicate hint of mint, The perfect combination to feel the caress of an ocean breeze.

Ginger Mint - Subtle spicy effects conjure up the atmosphere of a tropical Forrest, perfectly balanced with warm fresh hints of mint.



Tube of ToothPaste - $10.50, Travel Size - $6.00
www.MarvisMint.Com
Available At C.O. Bigelow Apothecaries and Most Beauty Supply Stores

Laura Mercier Make Up

Laura Mercier Make Up by The Wife

Clock Wise :
1. Laura Mercier Tinted Mosturizer with spf 20, 42.00 - Is Great For those days when you want something very lightweight with minimal coverage and To Even Skin Tone. I swear by it on Days when I'm running out the door and need to throw on a small amount of make up. (It offers a sheer, lightweight, buildable foundation that can be worn by all skin types. It's Oil-free formula softens skin offering a healthy glow.And Controls oil breakthrough while providing hydration to prevent dryness.)

2. Laura Mercier Kohl Eye Pencil, 19.00 - This Eye pencil serves dual purposes, It can be taken from day to night very easily. Used minimally For a day time look or applied heavily for the perfect smokey eye at night.(Luxurious texture for maximum wearability. Soft, creamy formula glides easily along the eyelid. Creates a smooth & well-balanced line.)

3. Laura Mercier Shimmer Mosaic Block, 38.00 - This is my favorite Product Laura Mercier makes. I was instantly hooked By the Shimmer Bloc. After using this blush the compliments starting rolling in on which blush I use. I love to mix and match the shimmer blocs with other blushes by Laura Mercier. Its a great way to brighten cheeks and give them an extra Bronzy Glow. (It is a unique based formula that applies effortlessly while brightening the eyes, cheeks & body with a hint of natural colour & light. Contains light-reflecting properties that blend together to give the skin a healthy all-over glow.)

4. Laura Secret Camouflage Concealer, 28.00 - (Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage completely camouflages dark circles, minor imperfections & discolorations. A unique two-shade system, one to match the skins depth of color & one to match the skins undertone)

5. Laura Mercier Creme Brulee Sugar Scrub, 46.00 - This Scrub not only does an amazing job of exfoliating, but smells delicious! (A polishing scrub with sugar granules and exfoliating beads to gently slough skin as well as clarify and tone.Promotes a radiant, polished glow. Vitamins A & E protect & soothe while Grape & Olive Oils soothe, soften & moisturize skin.)

6. Laura Mercier Almond Coconut Milk Honey Bath with wooden honey dipper stick, 40.00 - This Bubble Bath makes for the Best gift. Whether it a Birthday or at Christmas time, and the cute wooden dipper stick is just too cute for words. Its perfect for those nights when you want to curl up with a hot bubble bath and book. (Decadent, foaming honey moisture bath with natural ingredients to help firm, lift & tone skin. Richly fragrances water, leaving skin with a softly scented veil. Soothes & leaves skin moisturized.)

7. Laura Mercier Mineral Cheek Blush, 22.00 - This blush can be a little messy, but I think its well worth it. It goes on beautifully leaving a flawless finish on your cheeks. (Laura Mercier Mineral Cheek Powder is an ultra-lightweight, velvety mineral powder that never grabs or blotches for smooth, effortless application of color creating a radiant, healthy glow.Contains the exclusive Gem Stone complex which captures and reflects light to visually intensify colours while minimizing the appearance of fine imperfections. Long-wearing and stays colour true all day)

8. Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder, 22.00 - (Lighter-than-air powder offering an instant boost. Creates the appearance of the most naturally perfected skin & maximizes wear & coverage.)