Finally!! A Cleansing Cloth That Doesn’t Make My Skin Look Like a Science Project!

Listen, I have always been a big believer in the value of a good cleansing cloth.  There’s nothing more appealing after a late night of debauchery than collapsing into your comfortable bed, not having to worry about a thing except maybe whether or not to make the enormous effort of laboring out of your SPANX. Before you close your mascara-coated eyes you remember to grab a cleansing cloth from your nightstand and remove your makeup.  Perfect, right?

Well... For people with normal skin it’s perfect, for people like me who have ultra-sensitive drama queen skin if I use a typical cleansing wipe I wake up to redness, bumps and whiteheads. Talk about a walk of shame… Gross! So I’ve never been able to indulge much in the “I don’t have to wash my face because I can just use a cleansing cloth” lifestyle.

The only reason I rolled the dice by trying the Atopalm Moisturizing Cleansing Wipes is because I know all Atopoalm products are specifically made for easily-irritated, sensitive skin.  I’ve used both their Daytime Undermakeup Moisture Cream and  Moisturizing Facial Cleansing Foam when my skin was having a temper tantrum and both products definitely helped calm everything down.  Their cleansing wipes are no different.  I only need one wipe to take off a full face of makeup and it leaves my skin soothed and hydrated.

More info from Atopalm:

Our face towelettes have Vitamin E that conditions and provides antioxidant protection, and portulace oleracea extract that diminishes redness, all while allantoin soothes and comforts stressed skin. Finally, olive, grape seed, and jojoba seed oils drench the skin in long-lasting moisture, making these cleansing wipes the perfect treatment at the end of the day. 

I have to admit since I started using the  Atopalm Moisturizing Cleansing Wipes I’ve become a little lazy with my nighttime skincare routine.  I know, I know I’m a huge disappointment but sometimes even the Beauty Binger needs a night (or two) off from a rigorous nighttime skincare regimen.

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This blog post contains press samples sent to Beauty Binge by a public relations representative.  The Blog and its Author do not provide any guarantee of review, nor whether a review will be positive or negative. The Blog does not accept financial compensation for product reviews.

Nobody Wants to Smell Your Dragon Breath…

Right before you head out for a night of debauchery, you probably spend five minutes admiring your perfectly lined and lipsticked mouth in the mirror, nodding in approval at your on-trend vampy berry lip color. Well guess what, even if you used Lipstick Queen Sinner Lipstick Berry One Size  (the most GORGEOUS vampy lipstick!) to perfect your pout, it’s not going to do you much good if as soon as your lovely lips open you release a dragon breath that causes anyone within a 30 foot radius to run for the nearest exit. Sure you popped an Altoid before the party, but that little bad boy wore off as soon as it dissolved.

Never fear, my beauties….

I bring you the wise words of Dr. Singh, Clinical Director of Arch Dental Associates:

INSTANTLY CORRECT BAD BREATH

1. Eliminate bad breath immediately by eating an ORANGE. The citric acid stimulates the salivary glands and encourages the flow of breath-freshening saliva.

2. Fearing after-dinner stale breath? Order the CHEESE plate instead of dessert.  Not only does the bacteria in cheese combat bad breath, you get a giant boost of calcium.

3. Don’t have a toothbrush handy? CELERY, CARROTS, and APPLES contain fibers that get into the crevices between teeth and clean them by acting like miniature toothbrushes

4. Best meal for your teeth: A SALAD with Greek yogurt dressing.  Salads require plenty of chewing, which promotes saliva production, and the fibers in the salad leaves sweep the teeth clean.  The yogurt dressing fights bad breath.

LONGER-TERM BREATH MANAGEMENT

1.  EAT YOGURT.  Studies have shown that the active bacteria in yogurt, specifically Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus, may have a beneficial effect on odor-causing bacteria in the mouth

2.  BRUSH AND FLOSS DAILY. You may be feeling lazy but this is an absolute must!  Plaque and bacteria that accumulates on your teeth and under your gumline may be the underlying cause of odor. Also be sure to visit your dentist twice a year for a checkup and professional cleaning.

3. STOP SMOKING or chewing tobacco-based products. Need I say more?

4. AVOID BAD BREATH FOODS.  Coffee, onions and garlic all affect your breath. Not the ideal choices for date night.

ABOUT DR. SINGH: The Clinical Director of Arch Dental Associates, Dr. Singh specializes in implant, sedation and restorative dentistry, dental sleep medicine and facial aesthetics. In addition to overseeing his three premier New York dental practices in Manhattan, Huntington and Garden City, Dr. Singh is an attending doctor and serves as faculty at LIJ/NS University Hospital in the Department of Dental Medicine and Oral Surgery. He is the author of the bestselling book on Implant Dentistry “Atlas of Oral Implantology” and an editor of the prestigious “Journal of Oral Implantology”.  He is a board examiner for the American Board of Oral Implantology and one of less than 100 dentists worldwide that are dual diplomate in Implant Dentistry. He has also served as associate professor in the International Dental Program at NYU College of Dentistry. 

Review: Body Time Samphire Anti-Puff Eye Cream

There’s nothing worse than applying a thick heavy eye cream during the dog days of summer, only to find that not only did the eye cream not absorb because you’re sweating too much but it managed to grease up the rest of your face.  Gross.  I’m someone who strongly believes in having a wardrobe of eye creams at my disposal. Yes, I may be the extreme but you should at least be switching to a lighter eye cream (and face creams) when the temperature and humidity sky rocket.  Enter Body Time Samphire Anti-Puff Cream ($22.50) — an ultra-light, yet extremely effective hydrating and anti-inflammatory eye cream — perfect for the summer heat.  The best thing about this brand? It’s a local San Francisco treat!  You’re not going to find the brand in a Sephora near you because the company doesn’t want to risk compromising the quality by expanding distribution.  Luckily they have a lovely site where you can purchase their eye cream as well as their other delicious products (ask any beauty editor about Body Time and they will utter two words: China Rain. For the past thirty years, the China Rain scent has had a cult following of industry insiders for its “garden after the rain” scent which can be incorporated in several Body Time products).

A little more about the eye cream from Body Time’s site:

Protective, restorative, calming, salve-like samphire plus other potent botanical ingredients help reduce wrinkles, suppress hyper-pigmentation, improve elasticity, stimulate cellular renewal, increase cellular oxygen, eliminate puffiness and protect against free-radical damage. 

Usage: Use at night or twice daily around eye area; dab with finger under each eye from the outside working inward. 

Contains: Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaf juice, Helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, cetearyl alcohol, cetearyl glucoside, betaine, Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast) extract, Rhodiola rosea (roseroot) extract, caprylic/capric triglycerides, cetearyl wheat straw glycoside, Populus tremuloides (aspen) bark extract, cetyl esters wax, glycerin, water, Crithmum maritimum (samphire or sea fennel) extract, sodium hyaluronate, hexapeptide-11, Borago officinalis (borage) seed extract, diglycerin, Pinus pinaster (sea pine) extract, Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf extract, xanthan gum, p-anisic acid. 

Even though the directions say to apply at night, I use this eye cream in the morning under my makeup for an instant de-puff and tightening.  It also gives a nice brightening effect, making me look as if I didn’t have several glasses of wine the night before.  And come on… for $22.50??? Not too shabby!!

Beauty Blogazons Weekly Roundup: 8/11

• Emily Hudspeth, hair design and makeup artist: Getting polish remover (and other beauty products) for FREE from CVS! To celebrate, I did a fun crackle manicure that will be great for college football season.
• Lola’s Secret Beauty Blog: Looking for the perfect “golden-laced pink-peach” blush for a natural glow- then look no further than Youngblood’s Crushed Mineral Blush in Sherbet! This is a real stunner!
• Cosmetics Aficionado: NYC Summer Crush is a palette that screams tropical with it’s warm pink, orange, yellow, and purple colors, but how does it perform?
• adore-a-polish: In this post Kristina breaks down to the bare necessities in what she brings on her theme park adventures.
• Midnight Manicures: brings you two beautiful unique polishes from the China Glaze Bohemian Luster Chrome Collection, No Plain Jane and Deviantly Daring.
• Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom: Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom brings you several polishes from Layla Cosmetics
• TheFabZilla: Tight lining the eyes can be intimidating. TheFabZilla shows you her technique in 3 easy steps.
• Ishah x Beauty: Olympic Fever abounds, check out my Olympic themed nail art for this month’s Polish Days.
• Phyrra: Phyrra tells you how to go Back to School Gorgeous! They’re budget friendly, too.
• GlitterPukee: GlitterPukee talks about the awesome Aussie cosmetic line Eye of Horus. The products are perfect for anyone with sensitive eyes. They are waterproof but super easy to remove. Want more? Great swatch photos are just a click away!
• Ooh La La Polish: Looking for an easy & fun nail art challenge? Check out the “My Favorite Things” challenge at Ooh La La Polish!
• Lisa’s Nail Obsession: Simple, yet modern, and it goes with everything. The Tutti Frutti Stripes Nail Design.
• the passenger element: Why I had to cancel by Glossybox Subscription (spoiler: unimpressive)
• Pinked Polish: Wanna see a Scandalous Polish??? Melissa at Pinked Polish, Tried it on Tuesday
• Beauty Product Review: Want big, bright eyes? Find out how I get the look with Smashbox’s Brightener!
• Polarbelle: See the Layla Cosmetics booth at Cosmoprof 2012 and all the beautiful items that Polarbelle experienced.
• My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog: Laura loves Lhasa! This week’s Taupe-tastic Tuesday features the beautiful shade by NARS.
• Liquor, Lube and Lipstick: How did I get over my aversion to wearing “vampy” colors? By wearing one with glitter, of course!
• Aly Loves Lacquer: Aly Celebrates Her 20th Birthday with Freehanded Cupcakes
• makeupmaniac16: Too Faced Smokey Eye Shadow Collection: Review + Swatches
• Mani Curiously: Looking for that perfect red polish? Check out E’s ode to butter LONDON’s Come To Bed Red!
• Stephanie Louise- All Things Beautiful: Ready for fall? Here are the swatches of Zoya’s Diva collection complete with the MUST HAVE FeiFei!
• Liesl Loves Pretty Things: Liesl loves China Glaze Bohemian collection! Check out the possible Lippmann Sugar Daddy dupe here.
• Beauty Binge: Beauty Binge declares Christmas in July when she reviews the July Glossybox!
• Gorgeousskin: Urban Decay’s Naked Skin Foundation- was it love or not so much?
• Beauty Info Zone: How much can you spend on one face? Find out what Marcia from Beauty Info Zone spent on her face in the Makeup Wars.
• Love my Nails: Cute nail polish art that’s both simple and chic!
• Makeup Chronicles: Until 8/13, get a free gift from e.l.f. when your order is over $20!
• Mama Fashionista: Mama Fashionista takes a look at some of the newest (and most extravagant) innovations in nail polish. 18k gold leaf and black diamonds, oh my
• A Little Polish: Looking for a great nude polish this Summer? Check out Stephanie’s favorite here!
• Samarium’s Swatches: Sarah from Samarium’s Swatches is celebrating her Blogiversary by having a Giveaway!
• MakeUpMom123: Awesome August Giveaway! Three Great Prizes Including an Indie Nail Bundle, Make Up Bundle & Amazing Hair Care Bundle. Enter Today!
• beyond Beauty Lounge: At home facial peel
• Shades Of Beauty, Inc.: NOTD: My own Mermaid’s Tail…Orly Royal Navy & Essence Choose Me
• Beauty by Miss L: Miss L from Beauty by Miss L tried loose nail art glitter for her manicure for the first time.
• Adna Cosmetic: How to get the golden look for summer
• Captivating Claws: Are you a glitter-lover?? If yes, you’ll love these beauties from Shimmer Polish!!
• The Glossy Pages : Evie Evan takes us on a Concealer Crash Course
• Baking Beauty: Are you looking for some new makeup, but you’re short on cash? Baking Beauty highlights the weeks best beauty coupons.
• Media Maven: Media Maven helps you to achieve a flawless back-to-school beauty routine in 5 minutes flat!
• Amber Did It!: Amber shares a metallic gradient manicure
• DeyiMizu: Look fresh with a simple Champagne Gold FOTD
• Patty and Goldie’s Day Off: Come explore the Whimsical by Pam nail polishes

Skin Authority Giveaway: We Have An Adorable Winner!!

Congratulations to Julianne Vanderbaan from Ontario, Canada for winning the Skin Authority Sensitive Skin Kit (worth $322)!  

Could she be any cuter??   Julianne, you are going to love these products, BUT… Judging your age by your photo, my advice is to hand over the Super C Serum and Vitamin A Skin Renewal to Mom who will love you forever for it!

In addition to regular using their Sensitive Skin Kit (Julianne, I’m an old lady so I can handle the anti-agers), I actually just slathered on some Skin Authority Calming Cream on the areas where I butchered my face via evil blackhead extractions (yes, I know I shouldn’t be picking at my skin…) which took down the redness and irritation immediately!

A HUGE thank you to Skin Authority for generously providing the Skin Authority Sensitive Skin Kit  for this giveaway!!

Christmas in July (Yes I know it’s August): July GLOSSYBOX Review

Now I know this is going to come as a shock to all of you, but I’ve tried almost every beauty product sampling subscription program out there from the quarterly New Beauty TestTube (the costliest at $29.95 a month, but includes mostly full-size product) to the extremely underwhelming Sample Society ($15 a month for tiny, crappy never-to-be-used samples).  I find that I’m generally disappointed with most of these programs since I end up using probably 10% of the products, and that the 10% usually includes products I’ve already been using for years.

When GLOSSYBOX contacted me and asked if I would like to receive their July box gratis, obviously I obliged but I was clear that A) I wouldn’t guarantee coverage and B) I couldn’t guarantee positive coverage.  They took their chances and sent me their July GLOSSYBOX with the theme “Summer Nights” this past week.

MY JULY GLOSSYBOX INCLUDED:

- Figs & Rouge Lip, Face & Body Balm in Sweet Geranium (Full Size): By far my favorite item in the box, this 100% Organic and Natural multi-tasking balm rescues my dry lips and elbows and softens the irritated dry patch on my finger from my wedding ring.

- Blushed Fragrance by Ruddy Waters Towelette (1 Towelette):  I have two words for you — stripper smell.  I close my eyes and take a big whiff and all I can picture is clear plastic stilettos and silicone.  Unless you’re name is Candy or Destiny I would stay away from this heavy on the vanilla and sugar fragrance.

- Sebastian Professional Color Ignite Multi Tone Shampoo (Deluxe Sample): I highlight and color my hair so how can this shampoo be bad? I love the fruity smell and it will be perfect for my carry-on bag.

- Sebastian Professional Color Ignite Multi Tone Conditioner (Deluxe Sample): This color-protecting conditioner comes in a surprisingly effective mousse.  I love the consistency of the product and my hair was definitely brighter and smoother after one use.

- Senna Cosmetics Double Dose Lip Lacquer (Full Size):  I just don’t understand how a sampling program can include a lip gloss when they have no clue what colors would look good on the recipient.  The two colors I received were way too shiny, glossy, and glittery for my taste and they also stunk of vanilla.  Again, if your name is Candy, Destiny, or even Bambi, this gloss may be great for you, otherwise I’d skip it.

Gorgeous Giveaway: Skin Authority Sensitive Skin Kit!

The only thing better than amazing skincare is FREE amazing skincare!! As promised in my post earlier today, thanks to the lovelies at Skin Authority, I am able to giveaway a Sensitive Skin Kit (worth $322.00) to one of my lucky readers!

The Sensitive Skin Kit includes:

- Daily Cleanser, 6.0 oz - Antibacterial gel removes dirt, oil, and cell build-up while normalizing pH, leaving skin feeling clean, smooth, and ready for treatment.

- Super-C Serum, 1.0 oz - Body’s natural form of Vitamin C fortified by antioxidants for maximum absorption and to increase firmness and tone while protecting against irritation and redness caused by sun exposure.

- Vitamin A Cell Renewal, 1.7 oz - Non-irritating Retinyl Palimitate cream formula unclogs pores and stimulates turnover to smooth skin and prevent breakouts without irritation or side-effects.

- Ultra Rich Moisturizer, 1.0 oz - The “Earl Grey Tea” of skin care, calms, soothes, and restores skin’s moisture balance and evens out skin tone by reducing inflammation and redness.

- Sunscreen Moisturizer SPF 30 UVA 4-Stars, 4.0 oz – Lightweight, dual action formula moisturizes and protects against UV damage.

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Beauty Blogazons Weekly Roundup: 8/2

• Love my Nails: Look at this awesome Dot and Stripe modern nail art with neutral colors.
• Makeup Chronicles: Looking for a few new eyeshadow colors? Check out my top 10 MAC eyeshadows.
• Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom: ORLY has some great upcoming collections – and Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom has a sneak peek!
• Mama Fashionista: Take advantage of the exclusive offers at Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale! Borrow Mama Fashionista’s MAC Cosmetics wish list for the sale…
• Très Beau Glamour: Are you into at home spa pedicures? If so, Nay Denise has found the perfect productthat won’t break the bank and smells absolutely amazing.
• thepassengerelement: A quick swatch/review of a summer staple, theBalm’s Staniac in Beauty Queen
• Beauty Product Review: The obsession with lip balms continues this week…eos Sphere Lip balms
• The Science Of Chic: Find out which products had The Science Of Chic fawning over during the month of July!
• Samarium’s Swatches: Sarah from Samarium’s Swatches is wearing some nifty nail polish jewelry from Beads Ink!
• Cult of Taupe: Cult of Taupe is kicking summer into high gear with a BFTE Cosmetics giveaway!
• Cosmetics Aficionado: Need a Chanel Peridot dupe? Cosmetics Aficionado has one for you with a side by side comparison.
• Sincerely Stephanie: Do you have Olympic Fever?! Sincerely Stephanie shares her London 2012 themed nail art!
• TheFabZilla: Give your feet some TLC they deserve. TheFabZilla shares a super cheap foot scrub that sent her feet to nirvana.
• Gorgeousskin: Treat your skin to some much needed moisture with Tatcha’s Water Collection.
• Lola’s Secret Beauty Blog: Youngblood’s gorgeous Lipstick in Blushing Nude might just be the perfect Paraben Free, Lanolin Free, and Cruelty Free must-have nude lipstick for this summer!
• My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog: Laura from My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog shows us the brand new beautiful Anastasia Beverly Hills She Wears It Well palette.
• Phyrra: Phyrra taps into her inner Femme Fatale with the latest duochromes from Femme Fatale Cosmetics.
• Emily Hudspeth, hair design and makeup artist: Emily Hudspeth shares the big news of the new Urban Decay professional artist discount, what it includes and how to apply.
• Lacquered Lover: Come see swatches of some of the new gorgeous Layla nail polishes including 2 hologram effects, a flakie and a mirror effect!
• Lisa’s Nail Obsession: Classy enough to wear to a wedding, yet smart enough for everyday. The Gold ‘n Peach nail design.
• A Little Polish: Ever wanted to see Northern Lights? I have, and now you can see them too with Stephanie’s Northern Lights inspired mani!
• The Girl with the Unoriginal Tattoo: Scoping out some new Fall eye looks? Love The Wizard of Oz? Here’s Terri’s review and swatches of Tarina Tarantino’s new Emerald Pretty eye palette
• Sapphire Kharyzma: Had the pleasure of doing an expose on Hollywood’s next A-lister and beauty icon – Preity Uupala!
• Beauty Professor:The Beauty Professor has added yet another pink nude lipstick to her collection…read all about this gem from the German cult brand, Beauty Is Life!
• Beauty by Miss L: Beauty by Miss L shows how she cleans up her nails after messy nail art.
• Beauty Binge: Beauty Binge chooses her Top 5 Drugstore Makeup and Cosmetics Buys
• Liesl Loves Pretty Things: Liesl loves Nars Storm Bird!. Check out the gorgeous new limited edition polish here.
• Polished Cousins: Anna shows off our latest Blue Monday with some great Sation blues.
• Patty and Goldies Day Off: Run through the strawberry fields in this post,
• Adna Cosmetic: Are you look for an excellent BB Cream, You have just found one: Have a look!
• Fancy Phalanges: Alyssa celebrates Team USA’s awesome start to the Olympics with this medal-themed mani!
• Geniabeme Beauty Blog: Take a look at a FOTD inspired by a Cult Nails’ mani!
• Ishah x Beauty: Simple and Girly, pink and grey make a perfect combo for this mani
• Polarbelle: Would you like a serum that turns back the clock of time that ravages our faces? This is it.
• Perilously Pale: shu uemura will have you feeling hungry for a sweet treat with the Mint & Vanilla Palette from their Autumn Winter 2012 Chocolat Donna Collection
• Midnight Manicures: Happy Birthday Julep Maven Program! Check out what Jeanie received in her August Maven Box and details on how you can become a Julep Maven.
• All Things Beautiful: Check out the review & GIVEAWAY of a new type of subscription box (similar to Birchbox & Glossybox) that revolves around gourmet foods! & enter to win!
• Amber Did It!: Amber shares a simple and easy stripes and skittles metallic manicure.
• The Beauty Delicacy: Sharing my Summer accessory haul part 2! It’s mostly about the hair.
• Beauty Apocalypse: Gives some great beauty alternatives to petroleum jelly.
• Baking Beauty: Get great lipstick without breaking the bank!

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