Beauty Blog

This week, I tried two new products and am very happy to say that they are both exceeding my expectations!

The first is the Nivea Kiss of Moisture lip balm: $2.54. I love it because it moisturizes well and lasts, I don’t have to reapply over and over again. It’s also a little short and chubby little stick, which means it’s easier for me to find in my purse. There is no taste and no scent and it doesn’t feel greasy. It’s great!

Next up is the Neutrogena Anti-Oxidant Age Reverse Night Cream: $18.90. Of course I don’t really NEED anti-aging products (yeah right!). I love this because it’s light, which is unexpected for a night cream. I hate the feeling of laying in bed, trying to fall asleep, with what feels like a gallon of grease on my face from traditional heavy night creams. I don’t know if it’s reversed my age yet (I wish…) but my skin does feel really nice when I get up.

Shop for more night cream and lip balm at Smarter.com.

Neutrogena’s face wash got a face lift recently when it’s cutting edge product the Neutrogena Face Wash Wave was outdone by the Neutrogena Face Wash Wave Duo, with two speed settings to give you increased power to access your pores and release dirt and grime. The Neutrogena Face Wash Wave, sponsored and advertised by celebrities such as Vanessa Ann Hudgens, fulfill a dream and a need we’ve all lusted after: of course we all want smooth, clean pores, and we want an efficient tool that helps clean deep down without burning our skin or pruning our hands.

We all spend the extra time trying to wash our faces patiently, getting every nook and cranny (behind the ears, the crease in the nose, in between the eyebrows, etc) but for me at least, it always feels just surface level. The Neutrogena Face Wash Wave fit the market: the vibrations help loosen up dirt in the pores and cleans deep down for an extra special wash. But that wasn’t enough: The Neutrogena Face Wash Wave Duo allows for two speed settings, the maximum level for those difficult areas and when you really want to knock the dirt out of your pores, and the lower level for a general, overview clean on more sensitive areas (the eyebrow bone, maybe a little on the tops of your cheeks).

Try them out yourself:

Neutrogena Deep Clean Wave A vibrating Facial Cleanser Starter Kit: $13.00

Neutrogena Deep Clean Wave Wash Duo: $15.99

Shop for more Neutrogena products at Smarter.com.

Ahh… its officially Winter once we get a fresh blanket of powder!

If you are a frequent reader of the Smarter Beauty blog then you might have heard me mention that I am as pale as the driven snow. Not albino or red head pale, but the palest an Asian chick can get without actually being dead.

Since those are the genetic cards God dealt me I was never really into sun bathing or lounging poolside for hours on end. Not my cup of java, however I do love the snow!

The worse sunburn I ever received was on a trip to  Mammoth. Since I know I burn like a match stick in the summer sun I am always very mindful of applying and re-applying sunscreen to the facial. I am unfortunately not as proactive about my sunscreen application via overcast snow situations. Well 3 layers of skin on my nose and a pair of permanent goggle tan lines later - LESSON LEARNED! Never again!

So for you fellow snow bunnies out there, I just wanted to remind you to put the zinc on the nose and layer up on the sunscreen on the facial this snow season.

My top pick is: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunscreen in SPF55

Even for you sun bathers you should try Neutrogena’s sunblock. It is completely non-greasy, feels light and doesn’t alter the color of your complexion. (My mom use to bath me is this sunscreen that made my already pasty toosh even paler, if you can believe it..). Plus it doesn’t smell medicinal, doesn’t bleed into your eyes and blind and burn you. All perks!

Plus its super affordable! —- > $10 bucks

If you are interested in purchasing the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunblock, click here. 

If you have another sunscreen favorite shop for discounted sunscreen offers here. 

I will leave you with this picture of my best friend Nat getting some sweet air! You’re welcome bro…

Ok,Winter sneaks up on me every year and I can never prepare properly for “dry skin season” and therefore end up with skin like the crypt keeper. Not this winter! Luckily after years of thinking there’s nothing I can do about it, I did something about it. I did a little digging and a little testing and found the cure! Dry skin chaps and itches like the dickens but when pre-treated with a healthy moisturizing regime, it’s toast. The best way to combat old man winter is to prep your skin now, while fall is still upon us. Your skin has to get acclimated to a steady regimen of light moisturizing, notice I said “light” anything too heavy or greasy will just break you out. The key is to find a light moisturizer can improve the elasticity of your skin. My pick?

Neutrogena Illuminating Whip SPF 20

For those of you who get really bad wind burn, or are prone to frost bite, be sure and stock up early on Neutrogena Skin Aid. This product works wonders to heal already cracked, chapped, sunburned or windburned skin.This is what I call a wonder product! It’s multi-purpose and even if you don’t have overly chapped skin, it’s a great moisturizer.

Aside from proper moisturizing be sure to (don’t hate me!) take showers less frequently. I know we can’t help it, but too much soaping up in the winter can only make skin more prone to drying out. If you can’t stay away from the shower try this trick, wash you armpit and nether regions only and apply a moisturizer prior to showering to help retain moisture. With these tips you’ll be the silkiest woman around wandering amongst a sea of chapped ladies. So say it with me gals “I will moisturize” It’s the best way to get your skin prepared for the harsh drying winter that’s sure to come your way. The best offense is a good defense, and this winter you’ll be armed and ready!!

To shop for low priced skin care products and lotions, click here.

Sunscreen really needs to be applied liberally to provide adequate protection, so your best bet is to stick with reasonably priced brands such as Coppertone, Banana Boat and Neutrogena.

The one important exception: products containing Mexoryl . This breakthrough sunscreen ingredient provides far better protection than commonly used UV filters such as Oxybenzone, Titanium Dioxide or Parsol 1789. Used in Europe since 1993, Mexoryl received long awaited FDA approval in 2006 and is sold in the US as Anthelios SX Daily Moisturizing Sunscreen with Mexoryl SPF 15 ($29 for 3.5 oz.) and the pricier Lancôme UV Expert with Mexoryl ($35 for 3.4 oz.). Dermatologists rave about the benefits of Mexoryl because it provides the highest protection against harmful broad UVA and UVB rays (short and long wavelengths), it’s the most complete broad-spectrum protection, it’s the first sunscreen approved by the FDA in 18 years and it provides 24 hour protection!

Check it out at amazon.com, sephora.com or drugstore.com. If products containing Mexoryl are a tad pricey for you, limit use of it to your most sun exposed skin (your face, chest, hands and scalp.)

Did you know…

Following in the footsteps of Jennifer Garner and Hayden Panetierre, Diane Lane has just signed on as the new face of Neutrogena. Word has it she’s been using the company’s skin care products for years and years, but that’s what they all say.

Neutrogena says: “Diane Lane is a captivating and inspiring actress who personifies the Neutrogena brand with her natural beauty and daring spirit.” I couldn’t agree more. Really, her beauty has captivated me since I first saw A Little Romance when I was a kid. And I’m so happy that she’s been able to ride out her comeback.

Nice going, Neutrogena.

Click here to see Neutrogena products.

Famous for her girl-next-door appeal, Jennifer Garner has been announced as the new face of Neutrogena. Ads featuring Garner hawking Neutrogena’s Anti-Oxidant Age Reverse and Healthy Defense lines will begin appearing in print and on television in the fall. The former star of Alias expressed enthusiasm for her new gig, saying “I feel an emotional connection to the brand because it represents healthy beauty — and that’s something that I strongly support. I am excited to be a part of the Neutrogena family.”