Cuts from shaving in the shower can be (really) annoying. Here's how to put an end to pain and scars for good
4 Ways to Stop Getting Shaving Nicks
This is a TotalBeauty.com skin care tips article
Anyone who has ever shaved knows what it feels like to accidently cut herself -- slight shock, pain, and frustration. That's why we talked to Venus scientist Claire Girdler for the four tips that'll help you get a nick-free shave every time.

Anti-Aging Secrets from some Experts


It's never too early to start preserving your assets. See how these beauty bloggers do it
Beauty Bloggers Spill Their Anti-Aging Secrets
This is a TotalBeauty.com anti-aging skin care article
From putting down that cigarette to making annual appointments with a dermatologist, there are plenty of ways you can start slowing down the aging process. We got insider tips from beauty bloggers around the country, who shared their secrets for staying gorgeous at every age.

Udderly Smooth Review and Giveaway

I have always seen Udderly Smooth products in the store and wanted to try them. I just love the packaging and I am all for cute cow print!

I recently tried the Vitamin E Cream and Shea Butter Foot Cream. The Vitamin E Cream comes in a nice
3-oz tube so it’s the perfect size to store in your purse, desk at work, or nightstand. I ended up using it on my legs after shaving and my legs felt smooth and “udderly” soft. Seriously, this stuff is great. The cream is not too thick and the perfect consistency to use on your entire body.


And don’t forget those feet! It is now time to get them ready for flip flop season. The Udderly Smooth Shea Butter Foot Cream is amazing.  I wore it to bed (usually with socks) and woke up with baby soft feet. In the summer, it really is important to pamper your feet and keep them moisturized. This foot cream was awarded Best Foot Cream by Woman’s Day magazine (and professionally recommended for diabetic patient use!). Udderly Smooth Shea Butter Foot Cream quenches extremely dry and thirsty skin of the feet – rough heels, in particular. Since it’s water based, this light moisture therapy absorbs quickly and leaves no greasy residue.


Would you like to win the Vitamin E Cream? Enter today by leaving a comment with an email address. US Residents only and the contest ends May 23, 2012 at midnight. Good luck!

Check out the complete line of Udderly Smooth products at www.udderlysmooth.com and connect with Udderly Smooth on Facebook at www.facebook.com/udderlysmoothusa or Twitter (www.twitter.com/udderlysmooth) for great tips and fun giveaways.


THIS CONTEST IS CLOSED
*I received a sample for review.

Spring Cleaning Time!

Admit it, have you ever gone to put one product away in your beauty closet or cabinet and about 3 fall out?  Have you promised yourself you will clean it out soon or this weekend and forgotten about it?  Of course you have because there is always something more fun to do than clean!


Well, here are two good reasons to clean out some old products and make room for some fresher, milder options! 

Enjoy the floral feel of spring with the new Lubriderm Daily Moisture Shea + Calming Lavender Jasmine Lotion. I tried this lotion after a shower and after shaving my legs.  It felt soothing and the fragrance was quite relaxing before bed.  I was pretty surprised it was Lubriderm because I was used to the non-scented version.  This one is much more my style.  It did not leave a greasy feeling either.  I could definitely see using this lotion daily as my new go-to lotion. 

$6.99 for 16 fl. oz., drugstores nationwide


Another great product that you won't be disappointed in is Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash.  It is 100% oil and soap-free.  This product is really great for those who use retinol products because it is so gentle.  I love using this as my daily cleanser because my skin is sensitive and I can break out if I use anything with oil or too many additives.  I promise you will love it!

$6.99 for 6 fl. oz., Drugstore.com

 
*I received a sample.

Beauty Bioscience RetinoSyn-45 Review


I am excited to tell you about my review of RetinoSyn-45 by Beauty Bioscience.  This was by far the longest research I did for a product and it was well worth the time.  I used it for 45 days exclusively.

This product is really great because it comes in an easy to use kit which is easy to open and keep your products organized.  The adorable kit comes with 1A/1B, 2A/2B, and 3A/3B and you are to use it for 45 days at night. This allows you to slowly step up to a higher potency of retinol cream. Your skin can see maximum results with minimal side effects through this process. RetinoSyn 45 even allows for you to skip a night if you are sensitive or experience too much redness.


I did read the directions that stated to use sunscreen during the day while using RetinoSyn-45 because your skin will be ultra sensitive to the sun. I made the mistake of not using an spf one morning when I was trimming trees and yes, I did experience redness and itchiness but it was completely my fault. After that incident, I made sure to wash my face completely in the morning and use an spf lotion before leaving the house. I use an spf everyday ordinarily but especially now!

Results:
The results from RetinoSyn-45 have been smoother skin and less acne. I haven’t had any breakouts and it seems to be because my skin has had cell turnover and also because this product allows you to build up to the higher potency. I also think the wrinkles around my forehead and neck have improved. I did not use this product directly near my eyes but did use it near my crow’s feet and that seems to show improvements.

I do recommend RetinoSyn-45 for those that feel their skin is dull or have been thinking of getting a facial peel. This product restores your skin and gives a great result.  This product can be found online at http://www.beautybioscience/ or at HSN. 


*I received a sample for testing purposes. 



Flora by Gucci Review




I recently got to sample The Flora Garden Collection by Gucci. It’s newly available at Macy’s department stores and Sephora nationwide in three distinct floral fragrances:

Gorgeous Gardenia: A sparkling prelude of succulent red berries and juicy pear gives way to an opulent floral heart.

Gracious Tuberose: A verdant overture of violet leaves and peach softens into the plant’s silken blossom.

Glamorous Magnolia: A brilliant opening of buoyant freesia, zest and green leaves yields to a tactile fusion of peony and magnolia.

Truly all three scents were delicious smelling and fun to wear. I spent so long taking in the scents and decided overall that the Gardenia is my favorite. This doesn't surprise me at all since I have always been a fan of fruity scents and pear flavored ANYTHING!

So the next time you are at Macy's or Sephora, check out this line and tell me which one you like!

*I received this sample as part of a BzzAgent Campaign sponsored by Gucci.

Check out these Mom Haircuts


It's absolutely possible to have children without getting the bad "mom cut." Grab some inspiration from the best celeb mom styles here -- just make sure to avoid the worst
12 Best and Worst Mom Cuts
This is a TotalBeauty.com celebrity hairstyles article
What do Kris Jenner, Kate Gosselin, and Hillary Clinton have in common? They've all sported the infamous short (and cringe-worthy) mom cut. But having a short 'do does not have to equate to "soccer mom." To prove it, we found these gorgeous celeb moms and their equally pretty hairstyles. See which chic moms got it right.

Brushlove Mother's Day Contest

Just in time for Mother's Day, Brushlove is having a contest and you can win!


The winner will receive $250.00 to spend towards a day at the Spa (of your choice) as well as $50.00 to use at Brushlove.com. The contest can be entered one of three ways, through Brushlove.com, Facebook or Twitter. To enter the contest via Brushlove.com, simply select “click here to enter” on the Spa photo and answer one simple question; “What is the first word that comes to mind when you think of your Mother?” If you would rather enter the contact on Facebook, all you have to do is comment on the Spa Giveaway Photo with your one word response and Twitter, just retweet your response!

What a great way to show mom you love her and win a great prize at the same time.  Enter now until May 15th!





Replens Review and Giveaway

Giveaway Time!  Replens is sponsoring a giveaway for Moody Maria readers.

Rediscover yourself. Reconnect with your partner. Rekindle a relationship. And, most of all, wave goodbye to discomfort!

So what is Replens?  Replens is an over-the-counter/non-hormonal moisturizer to help to alleviate vaginal dryness symptoms and replenish vaginal moisture for long-lasting results. When used regularly, Replens helps to replenish vaginal moisture making for comfortable, enjoyable intimacy.


Unfortunately, as we age our skin becomes dry and less elastic. We can easily see the effects on our face and hands, but may not realize that this also affects other delicate areas of our body. While menopause is the most common cause for feminine dryness, other factors, such as medications, excessive exercise, stress, childbirth/nursing or tampon use can also be the culprit. However, there is no reason pain and discomfort from feminine dryness should stand in the way of you having a satisfying intimate relationship. That is where Replens comes into play.

How does it work?  Replens comes with easy-to-use applicators and contains a bioadhesive that attaches to dry, compacted cells and delivers continuous moisture until those cells are naturally regenerated (about every 3 to 5 days). Use it approximately every three days for long-lasting hydration of dry vaginal tissues and feel more like yourself again.

A little information about Replens:
- Clinically tested
- Goes to work immediately and lasts for days
- Gynecologist recommended
- Estrogen and fragrance free
- Readily available at stores nationwide, such as CVS, Walmart, Rite Aid, Duane Reade, Target, Walgreens and more.

So make the commitment – to use Replens and alleviate vaginal dryness, Rediscover. Reconnect. Rekindle. Replens.  Join their Facebook page for more information at  – Facebook.com/Replens, or http://www.replens.com/.

If you would like to try Replens, please enter the giveaway by leaving a comment here with a name and email address.  US Residents only please.  Contest ends at midnight on 5/11/12.  Good Luck!


Repair Sun Damage Before Summer

It happens every year, summer comes around and we slather on the sunscreen and try to protect our skin from sun damage and spots. Well how about repairing your skin before summer and starting out fresh? After all, with parties around the pool and outdoor events, your face will be highlighted even more and all uneven skin tone will be revealed. I don’t know about you, but I am very aware of people looking at my face and focusing on my skin spots and birthmark. It makes me feel uncomfortable and I would like to have the confidence that I am not being judged by my facial imperfections, but by my personality.


A great product for repairing that damage is Luminaze. It can be found at your local Nordstrom too so it would be easy to ask for a sample. If you want to see results, check out their website at http://www.luminaze.com/and click on the tab that says, “The Proof”. Results can be seen in as little as 7 days!

Luminaze works to repair skin with a natural ingredient and give your face a uniform look. It does not use harsh ingredients that some skin lighteners use and will not give you excessive skin lightening or splotchy areas on your face. Try it today before summer is already here. 

*This is an advertisement brought to you by Luminaze.

Pantene Pure and Strong Review

Three is a good number.  They always say three is a charm, right?  Well I have three reasons you should try the newest addition to the Pantene Nature Fusion Collection. 

-It is exclusively at Target
-It is economically smart to purchase Pantene because it works as well as salon shampoos
-The new packaging is green - made with 59%* sugarcane-derived plastic!

I have been using the Pro-V Pure & Strong line all week.  I am in the process of regrowing my hair in a healthy manner so I want to use quality products.  Pantene has always worked great for my hair and knowing that this shampoo has a purifying, silicone-free, dye-free and paraben-free formula makes me trust it even more.  I did notice my hair felt refreshed and shiny this week.  It had more of a bounce.



I used the Pantene Pro-V Nature Fusion Pure & Strong Purifying Shampoo and Strengthening Conditioner.  Some conditioners can make my hair itch or feel heavy but this one definitely did not. I feel like it will help prevent breakage too.  Oh and it smells great too! 

Now for the Sugarcane-Derived Packaging: Pantene will help make your beauty routine a little greener with it's Nature Fusion packaging made with 59%* sugarcane-derived plastic. This material has significant environmental benefits, including less reliance on the planet’s non-renewable resources than traditional petroleum-based (HDPE) plastic.

Sugarcane-derived plastic uses less fossil fuels and has a lower potential to cause global warming (when compared ton per ton – or gram per gram – to petroleum-based plastic).

Its production process uses over 70% less fossil fuels than traditional petroleum-based (HDPE) plastic.

Its production process releases over 170% less greenhouse gases than traditional petroleum-based (HDPE) plastic.

Pantene Nature Fusion, which combines the best of Pro-V science with naturally derived cassia, is the first in hair care to use renewable, sugarcane-based plastic on its product packaging.

Go green and bravo to Pantene for this packaging!  Hopefully more companies will follow their lead.

So if you are at Target, which I know you will be, check it out today.



*I received a sample for this review but the opinions are my own.

Summer is Coming, How about a Body Cleanse?

If you are like most women in America, you are a little hesitant about this summer and fitting into your swimming suit. I know my friends are and we have been hitting the gym a little more often for that reason. My kids are already mentioning summer pool parties and pool play dates. I am seriously considering a whole body cleanse.

I think a body cleanse might be just what I need to get a jump start on losing a few pounds. I am already working out 3-5 times a week, drinking lots of water, and “sort of” watching my calories. I need to really focus a bit more on my eating habits. It is so frustrating to go to the gym, sweat and give it your all and then weigh the exact same amount each day. I think a body cleanse might give me that positive boost to keep my dieting on the right track.

For a cleanse to successfully work, you have to be ready, focused, have a goal in mind, and not have any obstacles. Obstacles might be vacation, out of town guests coming to town, a special event at work, or even a group of friends that revolve your socialization out of eating. For me, the best time to do a cleanse might be when I have a full work week and no social events. That way I can stay focused and know by the end of the week I will see results. Then it will be onto bathing suit shopping!


*I am participating in a blogger campaign by Bucks2Blog and was compensated. However, the views and opinions are my own.

Mother's Day Gift Guide Feature #1

It's May now and time to start thinking about that special woman in your life..Mom!  I am going to feature some great new products or gift ideas for Mother's Day.  My first feature is from Travalo.  You may remember my review of the Travalo refillable perfume atomizer here

I think a Travalo atomizer would be the perfect gift for any mother!  It is not only for travel but for anyone that likes to have their perfume in their purse, car, gym bag, or office desk drawer.  Travalo is a finger-sized container designed to refill in seconds.  New this summer, Travalo is introducing the latest model—Travalo Excel ($19.99) – which holds 30 percent more fragrance (65 sprays) and is made of durable aluminum.


See how it works here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tb9sW0DnbKo&feature=youtu.be


Each Travalo comes with a lifetime warranty in addition to the following features:

· Transportation Security Administration (TSA) approved
· 98 percent recyclable, environmentally-friendly, lightweight material
· Features a clear window to gauge level of perfume
· Suitable for men and women
· Works with removable nozzle bottles
· Assortment of colors
· Spill-free internal refill system doesn’t use funnels or other parts
· Three convenient sizes: Pure, Classic and Excel (50-65 sprays each)
· Retails for $9.99 to $19.99

Travalo is available for purchase at select retailers in the US and Canada and online at http://us.travalo.com/.

And now for the great news, Travalo is offering Moody Maria readers at 20% discount at their website:  Simply use the Code: ROCKINMOM and you will receive 20% off.  The code is good through 5/13 and only valid at http://us.travalo.com.

Also – Like them today at Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TravaloAmericas for a chance to win a huge gift package for you and your mom.
Happy Mother's Day Shopping!

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