ProductWhores

Cool, Dry And Protected

I've been running every day in this hot, sticky Los Angeles weather and it is not fun.  The weird, East coast-esque humidity makes it like slogging through thick, swampy air and I'm sweating a crazy amount before I even get up the first hill. Needless to say, I've had to up my already substantial sunscreen game to make sure my pale self doesn't burn, so I decided to pick up Neutrogena's CoolDry Sport Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+.  I love the fact that it's a stick because I layer it over the liquid sunscreen I've already put on my face (told you I was hardcore!) to create what I like to think of as a super-layer of protection.  It smells fresh and much less sunscreen-y than previous stick products I've tried, plus I love that you can get it exactly where you want it.  It's always super easy to throw in your bag and take with you - I've started carrying it all the time, even when I'm not heading to work out, just because you never know when you'll need some sun protection.  It gives me a little peace of mind during the heat of summer.  And I really love the protection it gives - the formula is oil and PABA free and the sportiness of it lets you sweat as much as you need to during your workout (and believe me, lately that is A LOT) without the formula dissolving.  It's pretty damn great and it makes me feel a lot less guilty about being out in the sun this much.  (Even with a baseball hat - I have serious sun phobia!) I even managed to stock up during a buy one, get one 50% off sale at CVS this week, so I can be Sporty for weeks to come. Now, where did I put my bronzer...?  

Give Yourself A Hydro Boost

So my skin had been really dry lately.  Like, red and flaky and just generally WAY dryer than it is normally.  I blame the daily hikes I've been going on recently out in the hot sun and me maybe not drinking as much water as I should be (I'm working on it, Mom!)  But in the meantime, I needed to find a moisturizer that could hopefully help fix the problem.  I wasn't really sure what one to try, but then I was in line at ULTA right next to a display of Neutrogena's new Hydro Boost Gel-Cream for Extra Dry Skin (the one pictured above is the regular Hydro Boost Water Gel, but I figured why not go for the most likely to cure the problem).  It was about $20, which seemed a fair price to take a chance on since I've had good luck with Neutrogena in the past.  I've been using it for about 2 1/2 weeks now and I am so happy I did.  You guys, this stuff is the best.  It's light and doesn't have a heavy scent to it, but damn, it is SO, SO moisturizing.  Like, all the red, flaky patches on my face are totally gone now and my skin is so soft.  And I've only been using it once a day (at night) because in the morning I use a different moisturizer with sunscreen, so it's not like you have to blow through the entire container of it before you start to see results.  I'm super loving it, to the point where even though I have a ton left, I'm stalking the shelves at CVS every time I go in to see if there's a sale on Neutrogena so I can guy another one so I know I won't run out.  (Which is crazy and maaayyyy be why there's not more money in my savings account).  I totally recommend this product.  Don't you love it when something comes through and delivers EXACTLY what it promises?  $20 well spent!     

Ultra Sheer For The Win

I've been hiking a lot lately, which is great for burning calories, not so great for shielding your face from the sun.  Even though I wear a baseball hat and sunglasses, it seems like no matter what I do, my face still gets sun.  So I brought out the big
guns - Neutrogena's UltraSheer Face & Body Stick Sunscreen.  I LOVE that it's in stick form - it makes it super portable, plus it's the easiest thing ever to apply.  (I only use it on my face - I still use spray sunscreen on my body so I can reach everywhere).  Its rounded shape lets you glide it all over your face without missing a spot (I usually cover my face at least twice, just to be safe) and it's not at all greasy or oily, so you don't look like you just covered yourself with cooking spray.  (Hey, you never know who you're going to meet on the trails!)  I really love that it's a high SPF too.  I'm so fair that I always like to use the highest one I can, so knowing that I'm covering my face in an SPF 70 just makes me feel better when I'm heading out for an hour and a half in the blazing sun.  The only tiny problem I have with it is that I keep it on my bathroom counter and because it's shaped exactly like deodorant, sometimes when I'm half-asleep in the mornings, I don't pay attention and twice now I've sunscreened under my arms.  (Even for someone as anal about sun protection as me, that's overkill!)  So I think I'm going to start keeping it in my gym bag instead, which should solve that (ridiculous) problem.  But if you're not a zombie in the mornings, this definitely won't be a problem for you.  Stock up and start protecting your skin in style!

Be Ultra Gentle

I usually use one of a couple different Dermalogica cleansers, but at the moment, I'm out of them all and haven't had a chance to get to the store to replace them.  So a few weeks ago, when I ran into CVS to grab something else, I picked up the new Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser.  It seemed like a good comparable product and it was only around $10.  It's a seriously awesome alternative to the more expensive brands and so far, it hasn't irritated my sensitive skin at all.  I like that it's a pump too - pumps are my favorite way to use cleansers because I feel like I waste less (although that's not that big of a deal when it's only $10).  I love finding budget alternatives that are so readily available since it means that I can buy them on the east coast when I travel and don't have to pack even more stuff.  (I travel with so many shoes.  So, so many shoes...)  Definitely worth checking out if you're in the market for a new cleanser.      

Hydrating Eye Makeup Remover

I bought Neutrogena's Hydrating Eye Makeup Remover Lotion on a whim a few months ago and it is seriously the best remover I have ever used.  I have always been a fan of Clinique's Naturally Gentle Eye Makeup Remover, but now that I've tried Neutrogena's version, I am totally and completely hooked.  I mean it's only $6.99 (versus the $17.00 I've sunk on Clinique's), is super-gentle, removes all makeup - even mascara - and is actually hydrating!  It actually makes me as happy as Shamrock Shakes (yes, it's that time of year again!)

New Fave Drugstore Hand Cream

 

As I ushered in 2011 I realized that I needed to commit myself to being cheap (frugal is much too classy a phrase for the likes of me) because, well, much like everyone else right now my income and expenses are not playing well together.  This said, I cut coupons and skipped into Target to only get the essentials and ended up coming home with the greatest hand cream!  Neutrogena's Fast Absorbing Hand Cream moisturizes hands without any stinging (you know how that can happen in winter when you have chapped hands) and without any greasiness at all.  This stuff is seriously amazing.  Smells fresh, super-affordable ($5.99) and you can get it anywhere (drugstores, supermarkets, online).  Maybe this year-of-the-cheap won't be so bad, afterall.

Spectrum+ for Summer!

With summer finally here, it's time to re-evaluate our skin protection routines (especially because the summer always brings new products - an excuse to try something else!)  This year, Neutrogena has released an amazing line of suncare products, which I know most people have seen in stores and probably laughed at the insanely high SPF.  Well, being of English/Scottish/Paleness descent, I was screaming with utter delight when I saw Spectrum+ in 70 and 100 SPF!  I am the chick who burns walking to her mailbox and never tans, so I fully embrace any product that can protect my skin (plus, how hot am I gonna look at 60 because I've been so diligent with my sunblock?  Okay, maybe that's a stretch but whatever)  Spectrum+ contains Helioplex360 which provides superior full spectrum UVA/UVB protection that helps prevent deep oxidative damage.  Neutrogena and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) actually conducted a survey which proves that Americans are not following dermatologists recommendations and being that I am SO scared of skin cancer so always wear sunblock, I had to share.       

• 94% of Americans know that prolonged exposure to the sun can cause skin damage and even skin cancer, yet only 1 in 5 people (20%) wear sunscreen on a daily basis
• 33% of Americans don’t think it’s necessary to wear sunscreen every day
• 1 in 2 dermatologists (51%) report that their patients only seek information on their skin when they think something is wrong
• Nearly all dermatologists (93%) note that skin cancer most often develops on the face, more than any other place on the body. That is likely why 100% of dermatologists recommend their patients put sunscreen on their face daily or whenever they are going to be exposed to the sun.

I am happy to say that I am always really diligent about my sunblock, but I hate creams that are too thick (which may be the reason more people don't wear something on their face especially?)  When I saw the extremely high SPF in Spectrum+, I thought it would fall into the category of products that are way too heavy, but I was very wrong.  This stuff sinks into skin immediately without an offensive odor and really does work.  I was outside all day today and didn't burn at all!  You have no idea what a monumental occasion this is.  I have found my new go-to sunblocks.  Thank you, Neutrogena, for being so brilliant.

Note:  A sample of this product was sent to me by a PR representative working with Neutrogena 

How To Get The Look

Hayden Panettiere kind of annoys me and I don't even have a reason why.  She's perfectly fine on "Heroes" and she actually seems like a fairly nice person in interviews, but for some reason, I still kind of wince every time I see a magazine with her on the cover.  That being said, I think she looked gorgeous at the New York City premiere of her new movie “I Love You, Beth Cooper."  Her hair, her makeup, her dress... it all looks great. 

Makeup Artist Amy Oresmanis says that "Hayden’s look was inspired by old Hollywood glamour - with a new young twist.  This is one of my favorite makeup looks for a starlet. It’s sexy and subtle."  She used all Neutrogena products since Hayden is a brand ambassador for them.  (Is it just me or is "brand ambassador" a hilarious title?  I would like to be a brand ambassador for Godiva.  If anyone can make that happen, e-mail me).

For eyes, Amy says "I wanted to create a subtle smoky eye that wouldn’t fight with the bright juicy lip we were planning on using on Hayden.  To create this look I started by using Neutrogena Nourishing Eye Quad in Blue Smoke, this created a subtle smoke to the eye by using graphites and blues, which are not as harsh as black.  I then framed the eye with Neutrogena Nourishing Eyeliner in Cosmic Black, which has a slight glossy sheen creating just a hint of drama around the perimeter of the eye.  I topped the look off with Neutrogena Healthy Volume Black Mascara.  This look is all about lashes and lips.  This mascara is perfect for the three coats of mascara used to create ultra volume."

For Hayden's face, Amy "used Neutrogena Sun Fresh Sunless Lotion to blend Hayden’s tan lines in her one-shouldered red-carpet frock.  I evened out Hayden’s glow with Neutrogena Healthy Skin Blends Natural Radiant Bronzer."

Amy continues to say "The highlight of this look was the lip.  With those lips we could really go for it… and we did!  I chose Neutrogena MoistureShine lipstick in Poppy Red.  This lipstick is the perfect combination of fuchsia and red and because Hayden’s dress was all white, we really wanted a vibrant splash of color on the lip."

So there you have it!  I'm personally loving the strong lip and might have to head out to CVS tomorrow to grab Poppy Red for myself.  It's a great bold color and believe it or not, I don't think I have another one like it.  (Which seems shocking considering how many lipsticks I have.  All the more reason to head to CVS!)    

Illuminate Your Eyes

At the end of December, I was stuck in bed for days with a bad case of the flu.  It was depressing for many reasons, not the least of which was that I slept through the ball drop on New Year's Eve because I was doped up on Nyquil and my first kiss of the new year was from my dad.  (My dad!  It doesn't get any more tragic than that, people).  And when it was all over and I could finally get out of bed, I was left with the worst under-eye circles I've had in years.  (And a new appreciation for cheesy Lifetime movies because I lost the remote at some point and was too sick to get up and change the channel myself, but that's a whole different story...)  I decided to try out Neutrogena's new Illuminating Eye Reviver to see if it would help make me look semi-human again.  I'm a week into my test and so far, so good.  The under-eye circles are definitely fading and the little flakes of dry skin that were under my eyes seem to have also made a disappearing act, which was an unexpected bonus.  I also really like that it's safe for contact wearers - so many companies don't think of this and it makes my life so much easier.  Plus, it's Neutrogena, so you won't have to dip into your 401(k) to afford it, like so many other eye creams these days.  It does say that it "illuminates the entire eye area" which I didn't really notice, but to be honest, I'm not exactly sure what that means anyway, so maybe I'm just missing the illumination.  (If anyone wants to, uh, illuminate me on what that should look like, feel free).  It's nice to know that at least one good thing came out of being bedridden on New Year's Eve.  Now if only I could get back those hours that I spent watching Tori Spelling being chased through the woods by a homicidal maniac...

Can't Pass Up a 3 in 1

Using a concealor is a lot like flossing or washing my make-up brushes:  I know I should do it more frequently than I actually do.  So, I have decided in a pre- New-Years resolution that I would begin using a concealor every single day.  Watch me go.  So far, five days down and counting.  Usually I find concealors to be very drying and actually accentuate my fine lines, so when I started using Neutrogena's 3 in 1, I was pleasantly surprised.  This stuff is incredibly moisturizing, has an SPF of 20 (20!) and really hides the fine lines and dark circles under my eyes.  I even put it on the sides of my nose to hide the broken capillaries (I curse those things).  At only eight bucks, this stuff is a great find.  Only complaint I have is that it only comes in three shades so if your skin doesn't fit one of the three tones you are out of luck.  No one ever wants to be out of luck.