Philosophy's Microdelivery Pads

A blogger friend of mine attended a Philosophy event a few months ago and received a huge gift bag from them. Philosophy had been very generous that day and my friend told me that she couldn't possibly get through everything. I took a couple of items off her hands. One of them was the Microdelivery Multi-Use Peel Pads.

For those of you old enough to remember, this product is very much reminiscent of Stridex Medicated Pads. It's a jar of pads soaked with product, just like Stridex, except these aren't for teenagers with acne problems. Microdelivery Multi-Use Peel Pads are a skin-smoothing exfoliant, but unlike other exfoliants, the pads are gentle enough to use every single day. Also, whereas Stridex was only for acne-filled faces, these pads can be used on elbows, knees or anywhere else on the body that needs smoothing.

I've been using them for a few months now and I cannot be without them now. My face always looks healthy, polished, smooth and, dare I say, younger-looking. I definitely recommend it to anyone who's looking for a product that will give them those results.

Bee Beautiful!

The Cure For Dry, Cracked Feet

Whenever I have my feet exposed, I am always worried about two things: which color nail polish to wear and are my feet ashy? I don't want to be one of those people with dry, cracked feet, because it's unappealing. And believe me, people will notice. So throughout the day, I used to obsess over my feet, making sure to continually reapply lotion. Well, not anymore!

At the press preview I went to a couple of weeks ago, I received Boot's Foot Butter and now it's my new best friend. This creme contains plant extracts that Boot's claims hydrate the skin for 24 hours and believe me, they do! There was no need to reapply. It's refreshing to not think about the appearance of my feet all day.

It's unbelievably affordable too-it's only $7.99! It's a little greasy though, so a little goes a long way. Give it a try!

Spinlash Contest Winners!

Thanks so much to everyone who sent me their mascara war stories. I enjoyed reading them all! Unfortunately, I could only pick three winners:

Dawn from Johnsburg, IL

Gina from Sparks, NV

Gaye from Saint Peters, MO

Congratulations ladies! They'll all be receiving packages of Spinlash Mascara.

If you didn't win, or didn't get a chance to enter, you can find Spinlash at most Target Stores.

Bee Beautiful!

Jane Carter: The Solution To Combat Frizz

For those of you who have wavy, kinky, or curly hair (me), summer heat can be brutal on it and make it frizzy. I am always on the hunt for products that are natural and effective and I believe I've found another one!

One of my friends has super curly hair, yet I noticed that her hair has always remained intact. So she told me about Jane Carter Solution's Nourish and Shine. It's an all-natural creme that doesn't weigh hair down while nourishing it with Shea butter and vitamins. The key to controlling an out-of-control 'do, she said, is to apply this onto wet hair. My friend got me hooked. I purchased a jar online and I cannot wait to use it and see the results!

Jane Carter Solution also has shampoos, conditioners, restoration treatments, and styling aids. Most of these products contain natural ingredients which is essential to maintain health. Check out the website to see where they are sold or to shop online.

Free Spinlash For Your Mascara War Story!

Okay, ladies. How many of you out there have had nothing but great experiences with your mascara? Are there any of you out there who've had no problems with clumping, smearing or smudging? I didn't think so. Whether it happened when we were teenagers fiddling with our first tube of the stuff, or it occurred just the other day during a moment of distraction, we've all had our bad experiences with it.

A little while ago I received a sample of an innovative new mascara product. It's called Spinlash. If you've heard of Spinlash you know exactly what I'm talking about when I say it's innovative: it has a battery-operated wand. Can you believe that? The brush at the end of the wand rotates 360 degrees to separate lashes while it coats, lengthens and volumizes. How cool is that?

Are you curious about this product? If you're one of 3 lucky readers you can try it for free! Here's all you have to do for your chance to win your very own Spinlash:

1) Send an email to me at glamour.bee@hotmail.com. The subject line should read "Spinlash Contest."

2) In the body of the email, give me the details of the worst mascara experience you've ever had.

The 3 people with the worst (yet believable) mascara experiences will win their own Spinlash!

This contest ends on Friday, June 27th. Winners will be notifed that weekend and prizes will be shipped directly from Spinlash. So get your entry in soon and, good luck

Update: Deadline extended until July 1st. Come on, ladies, I'm all ears!

L'Oreal's New Skin Genesis Line

L'Oreal has introduced a new skincare line called Skin Genesis. They call it Multi-Layer Cell Strengthening Skincare and they say that it recreates stronger, tighter, more homogeneous skin, layer by layer. To do all of this, they have created something called Pro-Xylane, extracted, they say, from the beech wood plant, using an environmentally friendly process known as "Green Chemistry," making it bio-degradable and bio-assimilable. They also incorporate Hyaluronic Acid, an ingredient used in many other skincare products.

I don't know how interesting this sounds to you, but for me, a woman past the age of 35, anything with "cell strengthening" in its ad copy gets a second look from me. Thanks to Total Beauty.com I had a chance to do more than that when I received full-sized packages of the line's Daily Moisturizer Oil-Free Lotion and Daily Treatment Serum Concentrate.

The problem I have with most anti-aging products is that they are too oily and/or heavy for my skin. While my skin is aging, it is still rather oily and it is always a challenge to find lightweight, oil-free products that are also anti-aging products. I believe I have found the solution with L'Oreal's Skin Genesis line. Both products are lightweight and they don't leave me wanting to reach for the blotting paper.

I only used each product for a week so, at this point I cannot say whether or not they make my skin look younger, but after passing my initial test, they definitely deserve more consideration. I will continue using them and I look forward to seeing some results!

Aveeno's Long Lasting Protection

It's great to have warmer days now, but if you're planning to be outside for long periods of time, it's ideal to prevent damage to your skin. Aveeno's Continuous Protection is the perfect product for that. It serves as a barrier to UV rays without weighing down your skin. It's an oil free lotion that lasts longer than other ordinary sunscreens. Aveeno contains essential ingredients such as soy, vitamins A, C, and E to keep skin healthy.

The sunscreens range from SPF 15-70. Another great feature is that they are water resistant, so they'll make a day at the beach or pool easier to enjoy. They have sunscreens that come in a lotions or sprays for the face, body, and even for the little babies. The fact that the Skin Cancer Foundation endorses this product says it all. You can find Aveeno at almost any drugstore, so do yourself a favor and buy some because Summer is almost officially here!

Refresh Your Skin With Tracie Martyn

A friend of my mother's always gushed about how Tracie Martyn products are great for her skin. Her skin is beautiful, and smooth too. So she let me try the Alma Purifying Cleanser for a couple of weeks. It's an organic product that not only cleanses pores, but has anti-aging components that give skin a boost. It contains alma extract, sugar cane, papaya enzymes, botanical extracts, curcumine, and essential oils.

I loved it! Even though my skin is in good condition, the cleanser gave it an extra kick. My skin felt smoother and looked refreshed. It doesn't contain any harsh chemicals, so my skin didn't dry out. You can find this and other products at Barneys New York, Bergdorff Goodman and online.

Moisturize with Laura Mercier's Souffle Body Creme

Laura Mercier's Almond Coconut Milk Souffle Body Creme is an amazing product I found when I went to Sniffapalooza in April. I tried the French Vanilla first and then tested the Almond Coconut. I was in heaven. The creme quickly absorbed into my skin and it didn't feel heavy at all. I couldn't believe something so lightweight could smell that great! The scent made me crave cookie dough and I wanted to eat my hand. I must've sniffed my hand 20 times. I couldn't help it! My skin was smooth all day long and I still smelled remnants of the creme at day's end.

The creme is available in these and other flavors (I mean, scents) in 12oz jars and it costs $55. This is one that will last long because you just need a little bit. Besides, you might not want cake on too much, since the fragrance is a bit strong. Check out Laura Mercier for other souffle scents and products. Enjoy!

The Elegance of Robert Piguet's Parfums

Robert Piguet was considered "the most Parisian of fashion designers." But his perfumes also made him well-known. His fragrances are Cravache, Baghari, Bandit, Visa, and his most popular, Fracas. I sampled all five and they each have their own personality. I felt like wearing a tiara when I wore his fragrances! They made me feel so elegant.

Cravache: Started as a men’s fragrance in 1963, and now has a light, airy scent. I think it can be worn by men and women. It has a wood and citrus smell and it's not too strong.

Baghari: This soft and romantic scent blends citrus and flowers. The smell is sweet and innocent, but this one is light too.

Bandit: My favorite one! It is designed to be exotic and sultry, and it sure is. I’d wear this for any great night out. I like that it's powerful, yet not overbearing. I received many compliments when I wore it the other day.

Visa: This one is number 2 on my list of faves. It smells sweeter than Baghari, but again, it’s not too much on the senses. It’s funny that it's described as being addictive, because I honestly couldn’t stop sniffing it!

Fracas: This is his signature fragrance and the most desired. Bernadette was moved enough sing its praises over a year ago and I must do the same. I like this as much as I like Visa. I experienced it as a floral, airy scent and I think it can be worn at any time.

Click here to learn more about Robert Piguet.

Take Advantage of Spa Week!

April is just not the month for showers, it’s also time to get that much needed spa treatment at an affordable price. Founded by Cheryl Reid in 2004, Spa Week is an event from April 14th-20th (some spas may have it for the entire month), in which you could get $50 spa treatments.

The goal of Spa Week is to be healthy and not break your budget doing so. Many of us have a stressful lifestyle and rarely take a much needed time out. Massage is probably the most popular spa treatment. It's a very therapeutic way of getting our bodies and minds back in balance. Not only is it relaxing, but it improves circulation and releases toxins. It’s vital to drink plenty of water to flush those toxins out.

I haven't had the time to slow down lately, so I purchased a 60 minute, hot stone Swedish massage (only $50!) from Finesse Day Spa and I cannot wait to get it. You could get it too! Spa Week is not limited to New York City. Click here to find out if your state is one of the 21 markets that participate in Spa Week.

Make Magic With Me

I have another cherished Victoria's Secret product! It's their Make Magic With Me lip gloss, from their Sexy Little Things collection. The other night while getting ready for a night out with some girlfriends, I didn't feel like putting on much makeup. I hardly wear it anyway, so I opted for this lip gloss. On the back of the tube it claims to transform colors, depending on the lighting. It says that your lips can go from shimmery pink to silvery pearl. I wanted to find out if it was true.

After I put it on, I moved my head around to see any changes. At that point, I had a shimmery pink look. Throughout the night I asked my friends if they noticed any color change and they did! It turned silver but it wasn't bold, it was just enough. Later on it was just shimmery with no color. One of the girls who was already wearing lipstick, put some of this gloss on and it enhanced her lips too.

Make Magic With Me is currently unavailable online, but I highly recommend visiting a Victoria's Secret Store to see if it's in stock. Why not? It'll definitely jazz up your look!

Renew Your Skin with St.Ives

To keep my skin clear, I make sure I wash my face twice a day and like a good little girl, follow up with a toner and facial lotion. However, I realized I can go a step further. Aside from using facial scrub at least once a week to remove dead skin, I occasionally treat my face to St. Ives Mineral Clay Firming Mask.

This bottle sat on my dresser for the past few months, but it wasn't until the other day that I realized how much my skin missed it. So I washed my face and applied a thin layer. The mask didn't feel so heavy but I could feel my skin tightening immediately. It took 10-15 minutes for the mask to dry, but once it did and I'd rinsed it off, my face was rejuvenated and my smile became brighter!

No matter how much tlc we give to our skin, it doesn't hurt to have a firming mask tune up. You'll notice a difference.

The Scent for Spring

Today is the first day of Spring and I cannot wait until the weather warms up even more! I believe having the right scent goes hand in hand with the new season. The right scent for me? Beauty Rush's Body Double Mist, by Victoria's Secret.

This fragrance comes in an array of flavors, from Strawberry Fizz to Candy Baby, but my favorite is Slice of Heaven. It has that sweet, yet subtle smell of vanilla. The mist has two layers of skin conditioners that also give off that sexy scent. No matter how much you put on, you won't smell like you've bathed in it-that's how light it is!

I've had my bottle for 7 months now and I still have more than half left, even though I use this fragrance often! They sell it in the stores and online, so click here to check it out! Right now Victoria's Secret is having an online sale where you could buy any 2 of the body mist, body glimmer wash, or body whip moisture cream for $18. Or perhaps you can make a trip to the store because they're always having a sale on their beauty products. Happy Spring!

Treat Your Feet With Avon

Spring is almost here and before you know it, it'll be time to bring out those open-toed shoes and flip flops. This also means that your feet must look and feel beautiful. But you don't need to spend money on getting a pedicure from nail salons when you could just do it yourself at home.

My aunt gave me a pedicure set from Avon for Christmas. This included a foot bath, pumice stone, foot soak, lotion, and a foot scrub to seal the deal. For the past few months, I've treated myself to an at-home pedicure every week and always have excellent results. My feet remain smooth for a week.

I believe the set is sold out, but if you click here, you will see they have an array of products for foot care, in addition to many other beauty products. Give them a try and maybe start a ritual of taking one day out of the week to relax. Enjoy!

Natural Ingredients Are Hair's Best Friend

After spending too much time being a guinea pig for any hair product that I come across, I opted to go for natural ingredients. I now shop for hair products the same way I do when I grocery shop, by looking at the ingredients. That's how I came to love Carol's Daughter.

I purchased the Rosemary Mint Shampoo with Sea Moss, Hair Milk, and Black Vanilla Leave-In Conditioner. Rosemary and Lavender extract, soy bean oil, and sweet almond oil are a few of the components that make up these products. The few chemicals are at the end of the list, which is a good sign. I noticed a difference after the first wash. My hair is softer, moisturized and easier to manage. What’s more, the leave-in conditioner smells great and it’s light enough to spritz on everyday to condition my hair.

My hairdresser led me to use these products and advised me that if a shampoo lathers too quickly, it has many chemicals in it. I have to admit it did take a bit for this shampoo to lather, but it cleansed my hair. Carol's Daughter offers other beauty products such as lotions, oils, and fragrances. So shop online or visit the store in Brooklyn or Harlem and be in for a treat.

Get Gorgeous Skin & A Great Schorlarship

Ambi is known for specializing in healthy, even-toned skin for African American, Hispanic, and South Asian women. They sell facial products, soap and fade creams that aid in eliminating discoloration and dark spots.

Giving these women gorgeous skin is not all that they do, however. Right now Ambi is giving away their annual Scholarship in Science & Medicine. They will award $10,000 each to 5 Hispanic and African American women who plan to study for careers in science and medicine. You must be at least 21 years old to enter. Click here for more details about the scholarship and Ambi's products, including free samples! Apply as soon as possible because the deadline is March 21, 2008.

Write Reviews, Get Makeover

Have you tried a beauty product recently that you really loved? What about one that you really hated? You've probably given all your girlfriends the lowdown already, but I know they didn't give you anything in return other than a "Hey thanks, girl!"

Total Beauty is giving members a chance to win a head-to-toe makeover as part of a luxurious trip to New York City, just for writing product reviews on their site. All you have to do is write three reviews and you'll be entered for a chance to win. If you don't win the trip you'll still have a chance to a spa trip or a $50 Sephora gift certificate.

Sound tempting? Click here to find out all about it!

Unrefined Shea For Refined Beauty

After I discovered L'Occitane several years ago I thought I'd learned everything I needed to know about shea butter. Oh, how wrong I was!

Shea Radiance is a family-owned company that produces natural and organic skincare products, a lot of them made with unrefined shea butter. A while ago I tried two of their products: Vanilla Handmade Soap and Black Orchid Shea Butter.

The soap smells good enough to eat and doesn't dry out my skin. I definitely recommend it! The shea butter packs a powerful punch of moisture and, while my skin isn't terribly dry on most days, it's nice to have the extra softness Black Orchid Shea Butter provides. There was only one problem: for some reason, the shea butter did a number on my upper respiratory system. I'm not sure why. There are no chemicals in it. Perhaps it was because it is unrefined. Whatever the reason it's really too bad, because the aroma is just wonderful. When I went outside after using it I had men looking at me as if to say, "Baby, what are you wearing?"

Anyway, don't shy away from Shea Radiance just because of my upper respiratory issues. Everyone is different. Go ahead and give them a try. They also have a great blog called Beauty Out of Africa which you should definitely check out. Enjoy!

Buzzing off for now...

Update, 2/22/08: Maybe it was something else causing my respiratory problems on those days, because I've used Black Orchid Shea Butter a few more times since then and there have been no problems. I'm so glad!

NY Fashion Week Fall 08: Bill Blass

Hi everyone....it's nearly the end of New York Fashion Week, and this Alison Blackman of the Advice Sisters, is your Glamorous Bee special correpondant here to tell you about an amazing show that the fashion press was eagerly awaiting, Peter Som's first collection as creative director of the iconic American brand, Bill Blass.

As a beauty reviewer, I'm always interested in the total look and not just the clothes. And, as I entered the backstage, the Creative Nail Design team were already hard at work, adding a brown/burguny shimmer polish called "Baroque" (you can get it now if you like) to both fingers AND toes of the model. Tom Pechaux was working his makeup magic with the MAC Pro Team. When I asked what the vision was for the makeup he without hesitation replied: GLAM ROCK." But then the charming makeup artist added: "More glam than rock." The look was pale matte skin, bright cheeks, nude lip, brown, elegant eyes. Eugene created the hair look. This slick, severe bun was reminiscent of a modern Robert Palmer Girl meet Helmut Newton The slicked back bun was severe, but the little twist on the side made it a bit funkier and more feminine.

An hour before the show was to start, the photographers and TV crews were beginning to close in. Peter Som still kept his cool, not the least bit worried about his collection. Of course, he needn't worry--it was amazing! The clothes were strong, architectural in feeling, beautifully cut and tailored. The strong, almost masculine designs of this collection simply reek of class, and they drape and form around a woman's body like expensive clothes for discerning women (not girls) do. The structured, slender evening gowns and tailored daywear were really compelling, but they're not the type of clothes you can cuddle up to. This is attractive power dressing in the way a woman dreams to look, but it's not a young girl's "pretty." This card, situated right outside of the catwalk entrance, shows all of the looks!

I have enjoyed being your special correspondant this week and sharing a little bit of Fashion Week with Glamorous Bee readers. I hope you enjoyed my posts!

all text and photos © 2008 all rights reserved by Alison Blackman Dunham of THE ADVICE SISTERS® The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark. All photos by Alison Blackman Dunham. For permission to use this content, please contact advicesisters(at)advicesisters(dot)