Trying Tria...part 3

April 23, 2012TRIA, beauty, giveawayNavigate with StyleComment

I'm a few treatments in to my at home laser hair removal project and I'm so excited to report I'm now seeing some results! I've upped my Tria laser to Level 4 and am definitely seeing the regrowth rate slow, the hair grow back thinner and more sparse.

While I've read numerous times that laser treatments feel like rubber bands snapping against the skin I have yet to feel that sensation. What I've felt has been more like a quick zap or pinch but really the pain has been minimal. This is a long term project for sure but I'm very excited about the final results!

Previous Tria posts:
Part 1
Part 2

Check out the Tria website for more information on the process and the equipment.

Earth Day 2012

April 22, 2012accessories, beauty, cosmetics, eco, inspiration, shopping, skincare, spring/summerNavigate with StyleComment

In honor of Earth Day 2012 below are a few quick and easy ways to start greening your beauty & style routine:

* Buy shampoo & conditioner in "pro" sizes to cut down on the amount of plastic bottles you use. Aveda does a great job informing their clients of the cost savings and the environmental impact of this practice.

* Instead of bottled body wash use bar soap to cut down on packaging. I adore Beekman 1802 goat milk soaps.

* Be as vigilant about recycling your personal care bottles and jars as you are about your food and beverage packaging. Some brands offer an incentive for turning in old products. Kiehls & MAC have fab programs right now.

* Patronize socially conscious companies and buy from trusted stores and websites. For beauty products I look to Saffron Rouge & Whole Body at Whole Foods for their fantastic selection and high standards. As for clothing and accessories Eco Fashion World offers a list of ethical fashion brands.

* I try my very best to avoid plastic bags as much as possible so I always carry at least one reusable shopping bag with me. I am a HUGE fan of Baggu bags because they fold down into tidy, lightweight squares. I also love Envirosax and RuMe bags. All three companies offer multiple sizes in pretty colors and patterns, are easily washed and super durable.

Happy Earth Day!

xx

JDF

eos lip balms...

April 18, 2012beauty, cosmetics, design, eco, skincare, spring/summerNavigate with StyleComment

As a product junkie I am fully capable of admitting that packaging is a HUGE part of my selection process. If the packaging isn't cool or pretty I'll very rarely make the purchase.

I first tried eos {evolution of smooth} lip balm precisely because the packaging was so awesome. These spheres are colorful objet d'art with an effective, eco friendly moisture balm inside. The container is left very plain so there's no labeling to interfere with the design. Also, I loathe lip products that make me use my finger to apply {gag me with a spoon} so I was pleased to find the sphere was not a pot but the applicator itself.

My favorite formula is Sweet Mint, as I'm sure you can tell by the image above, but in the summer I also use the Lemon Drop version with SPF15.

Bonus: While I'm testing out laser hair removal at home I still have to shave. I've been using the eos paraben free pomegranate raspberry shave cream, which you can use dry or wet, as well as their beautifully packaged hand lotion.

Check out eos online by clicking....riiight...here!

French Dressing...clair

April 13, 2012Francophilia, accessories, beauty, fashion, hair, handbags, shoes, style, travelNavigate with StyleComment

This is a lighter take on the chic French girl uni and one that I saw more and more as the weather got warmer. I previously noted the amount of Longchamp totes I spotted around town but Louis Vuitton handbags are still tops in Paris. Simple metallic touches and a colorful scarf keep this monochromatic ensemble from looking too flat. When hair wasn't worn down a sleek topknot was worn instead.