Greetings to the Color Elated!
Many years ago, as a young mother, there were few luxuries I could afford myself. My time, effort, mind, and dollars were devoted to my growing family of two children, an husband, and a chihuahua named Toby. I resolved to reward myself in two ways: finer lingerie (which translated into bras and panties that match...not an easy feat when you have to get kids ready for school) and a special bubble bath just for me each evening (when possible, or if the kids and the chihuahua would let me have 15 minutes to myself). During this time, I collected products that would lather, smooth, moisturize and soothe with aroma therapy to boot. To this day, I still love to try new products because there is nothing like enveloping your body into a warm bath or shower to cleanse and refresh and then slather on a lavish body moisturizer before you slip into your favorite night attire that feels so luscious on your skin. I am getting sleepy just thinking about it. So...
...I want to share some products I adore for quenching thirsty skin. These products have formulations and textures that I think are yummy. Some do double duty, functioning as body moisturizers, cuticle soothers and even lip conditioners. Many are available in local stores and the ones that are not, are worth the shipping and handling.
If you follow my blog, you may remember my post for Influenster on Freeman Beauty products. In researching the body scrub I was honored to review, I learned about
freemanbeauty.com. I recently went on to purchase a mask that is AMAZING (more on that later) and came across many reasonably priced body moisturizers. So I picked up the Coconut and Guava Body Toning Lotion. For less than $4.00, you receive 13.5 fluid ounces of deliciously rich lotion that quickly absorbs and leaves a super smooth finish with a fruity aroma. It claims it is specially formulated to "improve the skin's texture and appearance." I love it for the feel and extended moisture it provides. When you purchase $30.00 on the site, you qualify for free shipping.
I am a long time cocoa butter fan. But, when it comes to beauty products, I can also be fickle. So, when I needed another bottle of lotion, I left my cocoa butter on the shelf and decided to try Ogx Hydrating Argan Oil of Morocco Lotion. Available in grocery, drug, and discount stored, this product is 13 ounces of lavish oil lotion infused with Argan oil to "restore skin's elasticity" and "give a radiant glow". Sugar cane, willow bark, rice milk, and bamboo extract are also specialty ingredients. You feel the creaminess as you apply it, but it is not greasy. I purchased mine for less than $7.00 at the grocery store.
On the department/specialty boutique level, I am a huge fan of anything Carol's Daughter. The boutique near 125th and Lennox was a "must visit" on my recent trip to Harlem. Her products can be purchased on
carolsdaughter.com or
hsn.com. You have not experienced body moisture heaven until you slather on one of her Shea Souffle products or her heavenly Love Butter. Love Butter is made for extremely dry skin and works as a "healing balm". There is Sweet Almond , Jojoba, and Soybean oil and they combine to create the ultimate smoothing and pampering experience. The container holds 4 ounces. A little goes such a long way. This is what I love to reach for on those drying winter days and it is perfect for cracking feet. It retails for a reasonable $12.00.
Hollywood Beauty specializes in a variety of wonderful oils. You may have seen their tiny bottles (2 fluid ounces) in grocery, drug, and discount stores, filled with carrot, tea tree, olive, Vitamin E oils, to name a few. They have such a variety! These oils can be used for face and body, I adore the Vitamin E oil to heal and soothe cracked cuticles. Olive Oil is wonderful for the hair. When I did not have a clear lip gloss, I have used their oils to heal my chapped lips or add gloss to lip color. They are so multifunctional that once you find a favorite (or favorites) you may not want to do without it. I purchased mine for less than $8.00 each and prices vary depending on where you shop. Available on
hollywoodbeautyproducts.com or your local store, they carry other products besides these fabulous oils. I hope you can check them out.
As you gear up for fall and winter skin care, consider these products and if you do, please drop me a comment on your experiences with them. Or, share your favorite body moisturizers and treatments with us. I would love to hear your experiences. If you have not, please join my blog and become part of my little community! Stay blessed and Color Elated, everyone!
-Tamera
