Spring is here! Celebrate the warmer weather with something new.
Look good!
From the grocer:
Use the follwing as moisturizers:
Honey-Mix with many items for a great oil-free mask. Try pure aloe vera gel after being out in the sun.
Avocado--after scooping the flesh out, use what's left by rubbing anything left on knees elbows the face, etc. by turning the skin inside out and rubbing directly on skin. Can't beat those great oils coupled with exfoliating action.
Ripe banana-thought you were going to make banana bread but changed your mind? Don't like them in smoothies? Try them, well-pureed, on your hair. I put it on before I shampoo. Amazing!
Shea butter-a great oil. Don't like the smell? Melt in a sauce pan; cook for 10 minutes once melted over low heat with some cut limes. Use quickly, as the moisture from the limes reduces its shelf life.
Oats-soak up excess oil with oats soaked in a little water. A litle goes a long way.
Ground flax seed-great oils and a natural exfoliant make for a good scrubbing mask or all over scrub
Pineapple skin-If you cut your own fresh pineapple, save the skin! The fruit acid bromelain is a great exfoliant. Take it in the shower or bathtub and give your skin a good rub before you wash. You can also boil the skin with sorrel or ginger for a great flavor in your drinks or on its own with fresh lemon juice added to make a tropical lemonade (but I digress.)
Fresh or dried herbs-make a steam facial with herbs that may be getting old. Not sure if it's peppermint or nettle? Use it in baths (use a pouch of fabric to prevent a mess.) Of course, make sure you're using something non-irritating.
Aspirin- I have yet to try this, but I hear that aspirin contains a lot of salycylic acid--my favorite acid for exfoliation. My plan is to buy some aspirin and crush it into hot water for a foot bath. I may also crush it and mix with avocado on my face.
Smell good!
We had several weeks' lapse in our Internet service, so I didn't get the scent guide out. My hubby, a neighbor and I descended upon Sephora and tried on several scents. So, here are some scents to consider, if you're in the mood for change:
For Men:
Versace Dreamer-A neighbor kindly tested this. We all really liked it. It smelled rich, sweet and masculine. I'd suggest his for those who like le Male from Jean Paul Gautier or Joop Homme. (Too many people are wearing J P G right now. By summer, it will be an epidemic.)
Unforgivable by Sean John-This smelled nice, but not special. The scent notes contain all kinds of weird notes like tobacco and Lemon Heads--OK, no Lemon Heads!--but it smells like a nice, classic warm with a touch of citrus blend.
L'Eau Bleue d'Issey
This smelled nice, but not remarkable.We tried on more, but I have to find my notes...
For Women:
Hermes Un Air de Mediterranee-It was "ugh" at first smell for me once it was on my skin. My husband went crazy over it for a good 20 minutes, then said he didn't like it anymore. It had these herbal twists and turns that did me wrong. I have a feeling that it would smell good on someone with a Mediterranean diet. Better as a room spray (but not at that price!)
Hermes has a whole line evoking smells of nice places--Provence, for example. I wonder if the fragrances were made with the intent to change with skin/heat. Save your $ on this one.
Un Instant de Guerlain--Ooooh. This smells nice. If I had more disposable cash and less half-empty perfume bottles, I'd buy it. tout de suite. It has a light, floral smell, with warm and fruity undertones. It smells better on the skin after time goes by.
Something new by Jean Paul Gaultier(or was it Classique? Notes?!) -It smells like a sexy tootsie roll. In fact, I'd made an oil with orange blossom, chocolate, patchouli and bergamot last winter/spring that smelled just like this. Great for nights and cozy weekends.
What do you do when everyone starts wearing YOUR scent, and you want to smell unique? Try out something new next time you go shopping.
Ladies, if you like ...
- Opium, Aromatics or Cinnabar, try Cristobal by Balenciaga, Kenzo Jungle or Prada(spice is nice)
- Tresor, try Flower by Kenzo; Magnetism by Escada or Sensi bu Armani (powdery notes)
- L'Air du Temps by Nina Ricci, try Sicily by Dolce & Gabbana (classic, soft, long-lasting)
- Champagne/Yvresse by YSL or Knowing, try Gucci Rush or EnJOY by Jean Patou
- Paris-YSL or Ombre Rose, try Stella by Stella McCartney (mellow rose-inspired scents)
- Obsession by Calvin Klein, try Trouble by Boucheron
- Le Male by Jean Paul Gautier, try Rochas Man, Armani Code or Versace Dreamer
- Old Spice, try M7 by Yves St. Laurent
- Cool Water, try Romance for Men by Ralph Lauren or Polo Blue
- Drakkar Noir, try Unforgivable, Paco Rabanne or Egoiste Platinum by Chanel
- Brut, try Dolce & Gabbana Homme or Kouros by Yves St. Laurent
