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I don’t know about you but I could sure use a massage. Only problem is I do not currently have the dough to go to a nice spa or massage therapist.

Next best thing you ask? Buying a decent massage oil and having your special someone give you a decent rub down! 

I recommend Aveda Peppermint Oil! 

• Aveda’s Peppermint massage oil relieves tension with this strong, minty, herbaceous aroma.
• Derived from dried peppermint leaves
• Incredibly refreshes senses & tired, stressed skin
• Cooling, invigorating & lifting
• Excellent for relaxing foot baths & foot massages
• To use: Smooth directly over moist skin after shower or bath

Price $24.50

Loves it! If you could use some minty relaxation click here to shop for the Aveda Peppermint Massage Oil. 

Okay let’s all let out a collective gasp - ready? — Ahhhhhhh!!!

Did you guys know that all a TAN represents is nothing more than damage to the skin. It is the body trying to defend itself against an environmental hazard — too much UV light..

So as it turns out the saying “The only safe tan is a fake tan” is actually true and not some clever marketing tagline for tanning products. Now if only artificial tanning products could perfect the process without turning out orange.  * sighs*

While in the Land of Smarter Beauty..

• Tips on How to Treat & Prevent Bikini Razor Burn
• Bobbi Brown’s Spring 2009 Eye Shadow Collection
• Pur Mineral Makeup is BETTER than Bare Minerals Cosmetics
• Let’s Talk Blush - Clown Versus Pinkish Glow

Okay so one of my guy best friends is dating this girl who is as sweet as pie BUT (and being a beauty blogger this was a major BUT) she applies makeup like a Circus clown…

1. Chola Eyebrows - Really!? What year is it again? 2009 I believe, I haven’t seen McDonald’s arches like that since the movie “Mi Vida Loca” came out on VHS!!

2. Excessive Frosted Eyeshadow! - Maybe on their own it would be okay but coupled with the brows and garish blush application - Major OVERKILL

3. THE BLUSH -Strangely the thing I find the most offensive is her blush application! Maybe because growing up in California I have seen those kind of eyebrows all my life, and like I said I could even forgive the frosted eyeshadow if I am drinking, but the blush…come ON!!

Not only does she choose shades like nuclear pink and toxic orange BUT she applies the shades in literally triangles on her face! In lieu of applying sparsely to the apples of her cheeks and dabble along her nose or forehead (basically where the sun would hit your face naturally) as featured above she literally tries to carve self made cheekbones with a crayola pen on her face.

The irony is that she wouldn’t be “that” bad looking if she would wash the layers of crap off her face. Oh and let her eyebrows grow back…

Honestly girls when it comes to blush, I think most of us can agree that keeping it subtle and natural looking is always best. Having two streaks of color painted across your face is a “DON’T”!

I mean there is a reason they call it “blush” for petes sake! It is suppose to mimic the natural flush that fills your face when you are young, embarrassed or hot. And if that is how your face lights up when you are flushed naturally, I think you should see a doctor. You may have some sort of rare disease.

I am just saying! Am I being too harsh or do you guys agree?

Hi all,

Well, it’s very sad, but I will no longer be writing the Smarter Beauty Blog.  I’ve been offered a copywriting position in the beauty industry, so I’m moving on.  I leave you in the hands of Michelle, who writes the Smarter Home & Garden Blog.  She’ll be bringing you beauty tips, news and deals.   Thanks for reading.

Stay beautiful,

Valentina

Happy New Year from Smarter Fashion Blog!!!

Merry Christmas from Smarter Beauty Blog!!! 

I saw this product by ColorOn Professional on Beauty Snob, and I don’t know what to think.  It’s a good time saver, I guess, but I really don’t want this leopard print shadow thing to catch on due to the ease of application.

Okay, that’s not fair.  They also have lots of natural colors, but you know what they say: you can give a woman a shadow strip and she’ll be beautiful for a day, but if you teach her to apply it, she’ll be beautiful forever.

Nonetheless, Beauty Snob gave it a pretty good review.  $16 for a pack of 5.

Ahh….there is nothing like a good, hour long, professional massage. The setting is just right: head comfortably placed in the face rest, soothing rainforest-like music, the aroma of scented candles and body oil, and the smell of fresh linen. SO RELAXING. As wonderful as they are, they can be EXPENSIVE. Here are some alternative, non-electronic, at home massage devices that will help you relax after a long day:

The Tingler Head Massager - $24.99

This looks strange, but it is FABULOUS. It massages your scalp. You can do it yourself or have someone else help. Guys, this one feels like your girlfriends long acrylic nails running through your hair. Maybe like CoCo from SWVs nails (OLD SCHOOL).

Earth Theraputics Body Massager - $5.88

This is a larger version of these type of wooden or plastic massagers. It is for “maximum muscle relief”. It has 5 massage balls that are great for digging into those knots you get from slouching over your computer all day or picking up your children all day.

Footsie Foot Massager - $8.00

This is great if your job requires you to be on your feet, or if you had a long night of dancing in your cute but DEATHLY high heels. You can use this while catching up on all shows you missed but recorded on Tivo.

Pressure Positive Backnobber II - $32.99

This, also, looks rather strange, but looks like it works great! If anyone has tried this, let us know. Basically, you put one curved end over your shoulder and use the other end to navigate where you want to massage. It seems so easy to use on your own, and you can use as much pressure as you feel necessary.

Find more massage devices here

Electric makeup, nude lips, and organic products are all big in the beauty world right now, but one of the most interesting makeup trends is happening on youtube. That’s right. I heard about this happening, but I didn’t realize it was such a phenomenon until I read about the hundreds of makeup lessons being given via youtube in the New York Times. Models, college students, housewives, etc. are all getting in on the act, teaching viewers how to apply eyeliner, glue on false lashes, and pluck eyebrows.

It’s no wonder that this has become so popular–it’s so much easier to learn by watching than by reading about a technique in a magazine. It will be interesting to see if these youtube makeup tutorials cause trends to catch on more quickly.

Here’s a youtube lesson I found on how to get a smoky eye from sandygold25:

YouTube - Watch 

I tweeze therefore I am. Born with aggressive eyebrows, believe you me, I’ve tried every tweezer on the market. However, I never looked back when the Tweezerman came into my life. I love these little miracle workers with a passion–they grab the teeniest hairs for an immaculate finish that I once thought impossible. None of that pulling and breaking that causes ingrown hairs and stubble (yuck). Plus, the company will sharpen your pair for free and replace damaged ones for half of the price you bought them. And they don’t even charge you shipping and handling. Wow.

$20 and worth every penny.