My Beauty Travel Essentials

Summertime is travel time and there are certain beauty products I can't leave home without...

DentaBurst™ Freshening Teeth Cleaners - This is a great alternative to carrying around a toothbrush and toothpaste in your purse. Traveling or not, I always keep these in my purse because I have a paranoia about having bad breath. I absolutely love these disposable teeth cleaners because they make my mouth feel fresh and clean as if I've just brushed my teeth. Very good for those dinners with a ceasar salad! No more bad breath paranoia for me ;)

Skinsational Emergency Blemish Treatment - Whenever I travel, I tend to breakout because of trips to places with hot weather (like Vegas) and my face sweats like crazy. Makeup, sweat, and dirt aren't a great combination in case you didn't know! I just zap those blemishes with this anti-bacterial treatment that contains Vitamin C, centella, and green tea extracts.

Kenzo RYOKO Eau de Toilette - I love these little travel-friendly fragrance pebbles that were designed by Karim Rashid. The little pebble fits into the palm of your hand and the scent is very refreshing! I have the light blue one: "L'eau par Kenzo pour femme". To me it smells like cucumber and watermelon....yum ;) The Kenzo RYOKO collection is only available through the fall.

Lavilin Deodorant Cream - When I'm traveling sometimes I forget to put on deodorant. However, with this Lavilin deodorant cream that keeps me odor free up to 7 days, I don't have to worry anymore! I was a bit skeptical at first - an alcohol and aluminum-free herbal deodorant that can last 7 days?? Well, I tried it and yes, it does work! Even through the showers and summer heat it works. All you need is a little bit...

H2Pro Flat Iron Review

Awhile back I got a haircut and the stylist straightened my hair using one of those professional flat irons. It was so silky smooth that I couldn’t stop running my hands through it. You know that funny Sunsilk commercial where the women were flipping their hair around? That’s how I was feeling about my hair! I was sassy!

Well, now I can feel that way about my hair every day because I finally have a professional flat iron of my very own! For someone who has thick, course hair I find it difficult to keep it straight and smooth. I was using a cheap-o Conair flat iron (I think I paid $24 for it), but it only dried out my hair.

The H2Pro is a ceramic flat iron - much better than a regular flat iron because it prevents hair damage. I have the 302 YVI model which has a plate size of 1 ¼” and is great for long hair like mine. However, there is a smaller version with a 1" plate that works well for shorter hair.

The H2Pro is made of ceramic and tourmaline so it creates that smooth, shiny, and vibrant look. Also, I do like that you can use it on damp hair, although I think my hair looks much better if it’s completely dry before use. The temperature settings range from 140-450 degrees. I use the maximum heat setting because of my hair type.


What I love most about the H2Pro is that it takes me less than 15 minutes to straighten my hair. The iron literally glides down my hair. And the best, best, best thing about it is that I don’t even have to put anything else in my hair to keep it looking silky smooth. Even the next day my hair still looks like I’ve just stepped out of a beauty salon!

I got my iron from Misikko, an online beauty supplies shop. The regular price is $159.99, but right now it's on sale for $99.99, plus you get 2-day shipping for free ;)

Olay Definity and the Mission to Protect Aging Skin

Olay is a trusted brand known by just about every woman who has an appreciation for beauty products. My mother used to use Oil of Olay religiously and when I was a young girl when someone mentioned a "moisturizer" I immediately thought of Olay.

With all the advances in beauty technology, Olay launched a skin care collection in 2006 called Olay Definity. The exclusive Essential Glucosamine Complex is formulated to improve uneven skin tone while reducing brown spots and protecting aging skin.

Here are just a few products from the Olay Definity collection that I've tried out:

Olay Definity Deep Penetrating Foaming Moisturizer - You just pump a little bit of this moisturizer onto your palm. I love that it's virtually weightless and is easier to spread on the face. At first it felt weird because I've never put a mousse on my face.

Olay Definity Correcting Protective Lotion with SPF 15 - Following the foaming moisturizer, you apply this light-weight lotion to protect the face from UVA/UVB rays and sun damage

Olay Definity Intense Hydrating Cream - This cream isn't too thick and you can apply it at night after cleansing your face. It's supposed to penetrate deep into multiple layers of the skin.

Find out more about Olay's new summer lines over at Women's Wear Daily...

If skin care is important to you, you may want to know that Olay and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) have joined forces for the fourth year for “Skin Cancer Takes Friends,” a nationwide free skin cancer screening program that encourages Americans to bring their friends to a participating dermatologic surgeon’s office for a free skin cancer screening. For more information, visit: www.skincancertakesfriends.org

Olay products are available in many drugstores and many online shops including Amazon.com

Berwick Beauty Has Me Coming Up Roses

Give your skin spa-quality treatment with Berwick Beauty's "Coming Up Roses" collection of skin care. I've been using the cooling eye gel for a week now which regenerates, moisturizes, as well as tightens the area around the eyes. Ever since I turned the "Big 34" I'm starting to notice the sags under my eyes, so I'm hoping that by using the contour gel on a regular basis, it will eliminate the sags... I already get 8-9 hours of sleep a night just so those eye bags don't get heavier!


I've also tried Berwick's Balancing Day Cream as well as the Restoring Night Cream. Really, it's like Heaven on your face ;) At first I thought the rose smell was going to be too overpowering for me, but actually it's just perfect.


Berwick's skin care system contains 100% pure and organic Rosa Damascena oil. They're also paraben-free, minera oil-free, and are never tested on animals. Just the packaging alone lets you know that you're getting a quality product. (There's the marketer in me talking again!) Find out more about Berwick Beauty by visiting their website: www.berwickbeauty.com or check them out at MySpace

The 2 Week Challenge With Biore

To this day I am still prone to blemishes and breakouts - probably due to my combination of oily and dry skin. I've been on the hunt for the right products to help prevent these nasty bumps. Like I've said before, I had been using just plain ole soap and water to clean my face, but now that I'm getting older, that kind of skin care just isn't enough. So I decided to take up Biore's Breakout 2 Week Challenge to see if I would notice any improvement in my skin after using Biore's Blemish Fighting Ice Cleanser and the Triple Action Astringent.
Did it work? In a nutshell, yes, the 2-Week challenge was a success! I used to wake up with these puss-filled bumps (yeah, pretty picture!) but the astringent cleans up and tightens up my pores really well. I like the nice tingly feeling I get after washing my face with the cleanser. Have you tried these Biore products before? Share your experiences by leaving a comment...

Read other Biore product reviews over at TotalBeauty.com

The Multi-Talented John Varvatos Creates a Fragrance For Her

Detroit-born fashion designer John Varvatos recently launched a fragrance for women and I'm absolutely lovin' it! Some of you long-time readers already know that I'm not much of a perfume wearer, but the more I explore and "broaden my horizons", the more I'm enjoying discovering new fragrances that match my personality...subtle and playful, yet able to make an impact.

John Varvatos' new fragrance for women is a symphony of floral and fruity notes that brings out feelings of femininity and elegance. It's one of those fragrances that makes people take one step closer to you in order to capture more of that goodness. I know I couldn't stop smelling my wrists all day ;)

The multi-talented Varvatos not only designs menswear and creates fragrances for men and women, he also has lines in skincare and fashion accessories. Since the sun is beaming out here in California nowadays, I thought I'd check out these John Varvatos Aviator Sunglasses as well...

Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash: Beauty Product Review

For many years I used just plain ole soap when I took a shower. Well, sometimes I'd use Bath and Bodywork's shower gel, but that started to break the bank a little - especially if you wanted a bottle of every scent!

Recently I've been seeing all those Aveeno commercials on TV which piqued my curiosity. Then one day I noticed a bottle of the Aveeno Active Naturals Skin Relief Body Wash in my shower. My brother or his girlfriend accidentally left it during their visit. So, I tried it out and liked it ;) I put it on a face towel and scrubbed my body. The real test was to see if it would dry out my skin... So I didn't put on any lotion after my shower. Even after 12 hours after my shower I still don't have to put on lotion. I believe that less is more when it comes to putting products on your skin. I think that's part of the reason why so many people have skin cancer.

Beauty Product Review: Curél Targeted Therapy Cream

So, I celebrated a birthday last week. Can you believe I actually forgot how old I am? I had to calculate it in my head...Ok, so I was born in... Most women my age start to look at their face and really scrutinize every line and sun spot, but me...Well, I've been looking at my hands and noticing every crevice, knuckle wrinkle, and vein. Are my hands looking old? I used to see my mom put hands on her lotion every night before bed and now it's my turn!

I know that I shouldn't really fret over such things. After all, I'm not going to be the pianist that I used to dream of being when I was a little girl. Nobody really pays attention to hands, right? Besides, it's all about what's inside that counts ;) And nowadays there are inventions like lotions and creams that can make your hands lookin' smooth!

This week I've been trying out Curél's new Targeted Therapy Cream which contains soy milk, monoi oil (an interesting blend of Tahitian tiare flower and coconut oil), and of course, Vitamin E...

The cream goes on a little greasy for me (I'm used to using thicker lotions), but then it is quickly absorbed by the skin. It does make my hands noticeably soft after just one use - as stated on the bottle. Even after washing my hands I don't have to reapply the cream. And for me that's pretty exciting because I like everything to be low-maintenance ;)

Check out another review of Curél's Targeted Therapy Hand & Cuticle Cream over at The Makeup Girl. Available at drug stores nationwide or Amazon.com

By the way, Curél Skincare and Redbook magazine are inviting women to share their stories about experiencing changes in one of a woman’s milestones: pregnancy, menopause, or the first signs of aging. The winning stories will be published in Redbook magazine's July 2008 issue. You can also win a trip to New York City to share your story with the media! For more information visit: www.curel.com/life_stages

Say "Y.E.S." to Beautiful Skin!

Linda Eastwood isn't just your ordinary skincare product CEO. She's dedicated to helping women look good and feel good about themselves. Not only is Linda a jewelry designer and author of a book titled Simple Solutions for Women!, she's also a model, a teacher, a TV fashion segment producer and on-air personality. Let's also top that with her recent launch of Y.E.S. Young Essential Skincare products!

I've been using the Y.E.S. Rejuvenating Moisture Cream for the past few weeks. It has a creamy/gel consistency with a subtle scent and is absorbed quickly into the face. My skin definitely does feel softer! I've been using cocoa butter for many years, but Y.E.S. Rejuvenating Moisture Cream is now my product of choice.

If you purchase the Y.E.S. moisture cream or anti-aging serum, 30% of the sale goes to Angel Faces, an organization that helps girls with facial disfigurements. If you know me, you know how much I like companies that give back to the community!

Find out more about Linda Eastwood and her products by visiting the Y.E.S. Skincare website or her blog, Simple Solutions for Women!

skyn ICELAND Pure Cloud Cream: Soft & Dreamy

Although spring is just around the corner, my skin is still feeling the effects of winter - or maybe it's just me getting older! During my 20's my skin was very oily, but now that's all changed. My skin looks like the Sahara Desert all year long. Not to mention that old habits die young - I still wash my face with plain soap and water...*gasp*

However, skyn ICELAND Pure Cloud Cream has come to the rescue! For the past month I've tested out this face moisturizer that has been dubbed as being "light-as-air". That's certainly an understatement. Here are some of the ingredients in skyn ICELAND Pure Cloud Cream:

■ Peptides help relieve skin irritation and discomfort by stimulating the release of endorphins—natural messengers
of happiness—and modulating release of tension-causing neurotransmitters.
■ Oat extract is an active extract that acts as an anti-irritant to reduce discomfort after skin trauma.
■ Hydrolyzed rice protein helps preserve healthy collagen.
■ Almond oil moisturizes and is rich in vitamins A, B and E.
■ Sodium hyaluronate is a powerful moisturizer.
■ ImmunoBoost absorbs UVB light that compromises skin’s immune function, thus stabilizing and fortifying skin.
■ Bisabolol is an anti-irritant that keeps skin calm and soothed.
■ Aloe moisturizes and helps heal irritated, stressed skin.
■ Biospheric Complex, a proprietary blend that delivers the unmatched purity and vital nutrients of Iceland’s natural resources (water, earth and air) to restore and rebalance stressed-out skin; mineral-rich Icelandic glacial water (water), indigenous arctic berries (earth) and oxygenated liposomes, butterfly bush and thyme extracts (air) unite to dramatically
soothe, strengthen and stabilize stressed skin.

What I like about this moisturizer is that a little bit goes a long way. At $75 for a 1.7 oz jar, those of us on a beauty budget need as much help as we can get in terms of stretching the dollar! The only problem I had with it is that I couldn't stop putting it on after I had already covered every inch of my face. It just feels so goood...and sooo soft!

Ok, so you know how it feels, but does the cream actually work?

It hasn't worked for everybody, but I would say it worked for me to a certain extent. My skin at the top of my forehead tends to get real dry and it didn't quite work for this area. I do attribute this moisturizer to a noticeably softer and even skin tone. It's helped with some of the blotchiness around the nose and chin. I know that this cream is targeted for people who have over-stressed skin due to peels, facials, and laser treatment, so I didn't really expect any miracles as far as relieving my super-dry skin.

Read more reviews of skyn ICELAND Pure Cloud Cream over at Total Beauty...

Want to know what I think about other products? Check out the beauty product review archives...

My Beauty Secret for Soft and Healthy Hair

Back in the day I had really, really dry hair. In fact, a mama bird would have been able to build a nest in my hair without having to gather any twigs! All she had to do was tease my hair a little and voila! Instant bird's nest!

Now my hair is very soft and healthy. My hair is so soft that I think I've turned into one of those girls in that funny Sunsilk commercial ;)

So, what's my secret to soft, healthy hair?


Well, I mentioned before that I've been using organic shampoo and conditioner, but in order to protect my hair from the damage caused by blow dryers and hair straighteners I've been using Nioxin Bliss Thermal Protector. My hair dresser recommended it to me and I've been using it for the past year. I spray it on before I blow dry or use the curling iron...Love it!

What's your secret to soft and healthy hair?

Beauty Product Review: JamieO Skin Products

"What have you been using on your face? It looks different. Your skin tone looks smoother," my friend commented when I saw her for the first time in about a month.

I told my friend about Rewind Time ($81), one of the JamieO skin products that I've been using. As I get older I'm becoming more aware of skin care and the things I put on my face. During the summers here in California I spend quite a bit of time outdoors - days at the beach without sunscreen have taken its toll on my face. I began to see a little discoloration on my forehead and spots on my cheeks.

So, I've been using Rewind Time for the past month or so. Rewind Time is a vitamin C serum that is oil-free, lightweight, and fragrance-free. Because of its unique pH balance formula, I can use it every day.

JamieO also has a product called Crystal Radiance ($75) which is a two-part microdermabrasion system. It smells like an orange when you apply it to your face and oh, the way my face feels after using it! As you may recall, I reviewed the Swisa Sea Facial Peel awhile back. Well, Crystal Radiance produces the same results. Skin so smooth and soft!

Read another review of the JamieO Crystal Radiance over at BellaSugar.

JamieO Skin was founded by the father and daughter team of Dr. Terry James and Jamie O'Banion. "Having grown up in the home of a physician involved in clinical skincare development, I was privy to cutting-edge technology and learned early on how to select performance skincare products," said O'Banion. "JamieO Skin really evolved from my desire to share outstanding, clinical-grade products with real women in search of fabulous skin."

JamieO Skin products are available at the website: www.jamieoskin.com

Beauty Product Review: Gloves in a Bottle

With it being the middle of winter and all, I know many of you are constantly grabbing that bottle of lotion to keep your hands moisturized. I recently tried out Gloves in a Bottle, a lotion that relieved my dry skin instantly. Ok, so most products on the market do that now, but after washing the dishes I found that I didn't even have to reapply lotion!

How It Works: The lotion bonds with the outer layer of your skin and locks in the natural oils and moisture. It becomes part of the outer layer of your skin so it doesn't wash off like many lotions do.

Read more reviews of Gloves in a Bottle over at Temptalia, Beyond Beauty Basics, and Lipstick to Crayons

Buy it at www.glovesinabottle.com

I have three samples to giveaway, so if you'd like to try it out, send me an email: maria [at] salondemaria.info. First come, first serve!

Get a Sexy Hairdo at Home with Twistii

On lazy hair days like today I love to put my hair up in a classic french twist and secure it with one of those hair claws. However, I recently tried out a product called Twistii, a hair updo tool invented by Liz Havlin.

The paper instructions I received with the tool and hairsticks were a little hard to follow (I learn by watching, not reading!), so I'm glad that Liz put together a few videos on how to achieve these different looks. Here she is giving instructions on how to do a french twist roll.



Because I have really long hair, it took a little bit of practice for me to get my hair tucked in right. When you've been doing the french twist one way for many years, it takes awhile to learn something new ;) Overall, I do like the product! It's available at Amazon...

Go Bold and Daring! Try A New Beauty Product in 2008

2008 is going to be the year that I give myself a whole new beauty look! After 15+ years of wearing the same old brown eyeshadow and lipstick, I'm taking my makeup routine to new heights. After all, I am an artist and artists are supposed to be creative and adventurous, eh?

As part of my new adventures in makeup, I tried out the Tarte "We Wish You Health" Skinvigorating gift set/discovery kit. Although I've heard quite a bit about Tarte cosmetics, this was my first time trying out their products. I wrote a review which is posted over at the Total Beauty website. You can find out more about this gift set and all the ingredients in the products over at the Tarte website.

Georgia Peach Powder: Give Your Face that Glow When You're on the Go

Whenever I'm traveling or on the go and my face needs a little "pick-me-up", I use Georgia peach powder by Benefit Cosmetics. I thought it was way too light and way too pink for my complexion, but when the Benefit makeup gal put it on me, it actually gave my face that peachy-keen look (thus the name!) Whenever my boyfriend gives me a hug he says, "Mmmm, what's that smell?" It's the powder, but I just tell him it's "all me!" *wink*

It comes in this cute little box with a brush - a bit bulky for my makeup bag so I have to carry it in a separate area. I wish there was a "mini" version of it.

SpaSensials Review: Get a Spa Treatment at Home

On cold, winter days our skin is prone to dryness and itching - at least my skin is! After a day of holiday shopping in high heels, my feet were aching and started to feel rough. However, I had the cure for that!

I just slipped on the SpaSensials moisturizing and deep-conditioning disposable foot socks for fifteen minutes and my feet were back in Heaven ;) You can even listen to one of these relaxing music downloads from the SpaSensials website while you moisturize - which makes you feel even more blissful...

SpaSensials products are infused with aloe, jojoba, avocado, and vitamins A, E and B5. No need to apply lotion afterwards! Get that spa-like experience at home... Just put on the socks or hand gloves and you'll see results after 15 minutes. If anything, you'll just feel more rejuvenated!

This is the perfect stocking stuffer for the woman who has everything or for anybody who's crazy enough to go shopping in high heels!

Buy SpaSensials at Amazon.com

Chasin' The Winter Blues Away With Roxy Perfume

We're getting into somewhat chilly weather here in California and I've been fighting off this nasty cough and cold. What better way to lift up those spirits and chase those winter blues away with this nice floral and fruity scent by Roxy Perfume...

It's a very light perfume that's perfect for natural beauties ;) I especially like the shower gel that gives you a head-to-toe scent.

Most of us know Roxy by their surfer-inspired, casual clothing, but now the company is venturing into the smell-good department which isn't anything new in the fashion industry. Chanel has been in the game for years as well as Calvin Klein, and Gucci, just to name a few. They even have a Roxy Parfum blog where you can play games, watch videos, or even get yummy Roxy recipes!

Relish Beauty: Luxury on Your Skin

Lately we've been hearing many stories about women (and men!) with skin cancer. Part of this is due to an overabundant exposure to sun. This is especially true out here in California where the sun is out about 360 days out of the year!

Then there are all these products on the market nowadays that contain ingredients that are not good for you. As I've said before, I'm pretty particular about what I put on my skin. What I look for and appreciate are beauty products made of natural elements and will also help protect against harmful UVA and ABA rays.

Michele Dispensa, the founder of Relish Beauty products, has begun an anti-cancer crusade to educate people about the dangers of overexposure to sun. Here are some facts to keep in mind:

• Sunlight contains three types of ultraviolet rays: UVA, UVB and UVC

• Clouds and pollution do not filter out UV rays. Even on cloudy, cool, or overcast days, UV rays travel through the clouds and reflect off sand, water, and concrete

• UVA rays penetrate glass/windows

• Most children rack up between 50% and 80% of their lifetime sun exposure before age 18

• Even mild sunburn is a first-degree radiation burn

• Certain medication, such as antibiotics, and cosmetic procedures increase sensitivity to the sun

• Sunscreen helps prevent premature signs of aging such as fine lines, freckles and wrinkles

• Most people need at least one ounce of sunscreen to adequately cover their body, which is enough to fill a shot glass

• Apply sunscreen about 30 minutes before going outside so that a good layer of protection can form. It should be reapplied every 2 to 3 hours.

Michele Dispensa developed a line of beauty products with anti-aging ingredients that provide quality skincare. I was able to try out the Shea Butter Body Lotion (8 oz.), the Shea Butter Lip Balm, the Lip & Face Protector (SPF 15), Daily Advanced Protection (4 oz., SPF 30), and the Daily Protection Moisturizing Sunscreen (4 oz., SPF 15). The products contain elements such as Japanese Green Tea, Ginseng and Licorice, Aloe, Hawaiian Red Marine Algae, Chamomile, and Vitamins A, C and E. They contain no petroleum or mineral oils.

I absolutely love the Shea Butter Body Lotion! For some reason it smells like a blend of almond and honey beeswax. Absolute Luxury with a capital "L"!

You can buy Relish Beauty products online at relishbeauty.com or Amazon.com. They're also sold in specialty boutiques and resorts nationwide such as the Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego, Auberge Du Soleil in Napa, and Marilyn Jaeger Skincare in San Francisco.

Beauty Review: Skin MD Natural

I'm one who believes in serendipity - that things come at the perfect time. Prime example: A few weeks ago my scalp was going through some serious issues with dryness and itchiness. I was then contacted by a rep of Skin MD Natural asking if I wanted to sample this medicating lotion - and no, I was not paid for this review! I figured why not try it since over 93% of the ingredients are natural.

I mentioned before that I've been using JASON shampoo and conditioner for my dry scalp. Well, after the shower I then rub just a little bit of Skin MD Natural lotion into my scalp. I've been doing that for the past few weeks and my scalp looks and feels soooo much better. I seriously was about to shave off my hair and just soak my head in oil all day before I started using this lotion!

I also tried it on the balls of my feet where my skin tends to get real dry - especially if I've been walking around in heels all day. All you need is a little bit and it definitely goes a long way...I definitely recommend it.

Find out more about Skin MD Natural by visiting: http://www.skinmdnatural.com/ or watch this video at YouTube