Burtify Me! Burt’s Bees Coconut Foot Creme (review and sweepstakes)

Sandal weather – Yay! Sandal feet - um…need attention.

Yup. It’s true. I’m going out of town for a bit and am planning to wear my very favorite shoes: the cutest red and white polka dot wedge sandals ever. So I need me some cute feet. Some cute soft feet. And after wearing sandals all week, that means a nice pedicure and some serious softening. And yet, this is not a problem. Thanks to Burt’s Bees.

Coconut Foot Creme

Blurb: Go nuts for incredibly soft feet. This pampering natural foot cream combines coconut oil, lanolin and vegetable glycerin to revive and rejuvenate even the driest, most neglected feet. There's also a hint of natural rosemary and peppermint oils to refresh tired feet. Apply liberally and allow the cream to fully absorb.

This is another one of those products where I don’t have to say much. But when I come across something this fabulous, I just need to go on a bit.

This is one of the best products around for anyone whose feet need a whole lot of TLC - it totally delivers! The combination of oils (coconut, olive, lanolin) soothe, soften, heal and lock in moisture. For a serious foot pampering; soak, exfoliate and then pat dry. Massage the creme into each foot, then cover with cotton socks overnight to seal in the hydration. You will wake up with gorgeously soft tootsies. The fragrance (coconut with a touch of peppermint) is soothing and luxurious too.

Now is a great time to visit their website. Besides their reputation for creating amazing products, Burt’s Bees is also known for their commitment to “The Greater Good.” Burt was at the first Earth Day 40 years ago and is encouraging you to find your “Inner Burt” (meaning your earth friendly side). Click on the Find Your Inner Burt link where you can “Burtify” yourself and enter an awesome sweeptstakes!

Here’s me all “Burtified” (nice, huh?)

Happy Burtification (and Happy Thursday too)!
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Already Owned: Curél Foot Cream (review)

For some reason, I am feeling like Little Miss Consumer today. There is a ton of stuff I just want! For starters, there are a couple of pairs of sandals that are calling my name. Take a look:

Hot: Purple Dior Suede Sandals

Cute: Juicy Couture Flip Flops

Okay, I need to breathe. And think of my poor ailing budget. And then I need to get a hold of myself, go home, and appreciate all of the perfectly adorable shoes that have been patiently waiting for the warm weather. And to feel a little bit more pampered, I'll boost my sandal-readiness with a nice pedicure and some hydrating, budget-friendly, luxurious, soothing foot-care. Assisted by the folks at Curél.

Targeted Therapy Deep Penetrating Foot Cream

Blurb: Featuring highly emollient shea butter, rich coconut milk, and naturally healing vitamin E, this cream noticeably smoothes and softens dry cracked skin in just two nights, significantly improving the look and feel of even the driest feet.

Basically…it's reasonably priced and it totally works! In fact, it works really, really well. This Cream does a fantastic job of softening and soothing. I first tried it after a long afternoon of walking around in a pair of (already owned) sandals. I got home and my feet were dry, tired and in need of serious TLC. I gave them a quick once-over with a warm, damp cloth, opened the tube, then slathered on the Foot Cream. Presto! Happy, soft pretty feet! And they stayed soft and pretty (without being slippery or greasy) when I went out later in the evening. I also loved the subtle fragrance.

Curél is known for excellent products that do what they're supposed to do. You might want to check out the website and see what else catches your eye. Curél can be found in drugstores, supermarkets and sites like Beauty.com.

And now…a couple of other things from the Little Miss Consumer Wish List…

Mad Men Barbie Dolls – Now who wouldn't want these?

PEEPS® Bunny and Chick Salt & Pepper Set by Lenox – I may actually get this pretty soon (I've been eyeing it for over a year now)

Okay! I know - enough! Happy Wednesday!
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Sandal Time! Yay!

Being a native Southern Californian means I wear sandals whenever I can. I usually put my first pair on in mid-March and wear them as late as November. So I'm all about anything that makes my feet look good in revealing footwear. I'm also crazy about the scent of coconut (especially in the summer). Check out some suggestions I got for your pretty, pedicured feet…

Sandal Ready Feet

This spring put your best foot forward and get ready for the fashionable sandals. With the amazing sandal options, from jeweled flip flops, gladiator sandals and open toe platforms, you want to make sure that your feet look amazing. With the suggestions below your feet can look great in time for Memorial Day weekend.

Curél® Targeted Therapy Deep Penetrating Foot Cream: A spring essential. Soften and smooth dry, cracked winter feet in time for spring. The deeply penetrating formula contains ultra-moisturizing ingredients to smooth and hydrate dry, rough feet and heels. “After months of thick socks and harsh weather, feet can become dry, callused and cracked,” explains Dr. Sapna Westley, Curel® Skincare Consulting Dermatologist. “Curél® Targeted TherapyTM Deep Penetrating Foot Cream not only moisturizes and heals winter feet but also protects exposed feet during the summer.”

Targeted Therapy Foot Cream is formulated with Shea Butter to deeply moisturize dry skin. Coconut Milk is known to soften and smooth the skin and is also known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial benefits. Urea helps to remove the thickened, callused skin that can develop on dry feet, while Vitamin E is known to reduce dryness and flaking and aids in healthy cell reproduction. Apply Curél® Targeted TherapyTM Foot Cream to skin at night to soften and heal dry feet. In just two nights, the cream significantly improves the look and feel of even the driest feet. Available at drugstores nationwide. http://www.curel.com/foot.asp

Burt’s Bees Coconut Foot Crème: a pampering natural foot cream that combines coconut oil, lanolin and vegetable glycerin to revive and rejuvenate even the driest, most neglected feet. There's also a hint of natural rosemary and peppermint oils to refresh tired feet. Apply liberally and allow the Coconut Foot Creme to fully absorb. For a luxurious way to treat your feet, soak feet in warm water for 10-15 minutes and rub gently with a pumice stone. Massage Coconut Foot Creme into feet, paying close attention to heels and calloused skin. Then cover your feet with cotton socks overnight to soothe and seal in moisture. Available in natural grocery, drug, gift and specialty stores, select mass retailers such as Target and Walmart, and via http://www.burtsbees.com/natural-products/body-hands-feet-foot-care/coconut-foot-creme.html
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Feet First: Foot Care from Pevonia Botanica (review)

This summer has been great for checking out new lines and products. Especially in the skin and body care areas. Another awesome company that I'm getting to know is Pevonia Botanica. In addition to their in-spa treatments, they offer just about anything you could possibly ever need to pamper, soothe and restore yourself at home.

Blurb: One Stop Spa. Pevonia Botanica offers spa consultancy, spa equipment & a full line of skincare products containing the most effective, natural source ingredients using technologically advanced formulas, delivering you remarkable, highly visible results. Our home care products & professional treatments are available at exclusive salons & spas worldwide.

I'll be discussing lots of their great stuff; but today I'm starting with two wonderful products from their Spa Foot Line (Ligne Phytopedic).

Silky Foot Peel

Blurb: Eliminate dead cells! Experience the pleasure of callous-free feet with Silky Foot Peel's creamy yet granular exfoliation. This peel effectively exfoliates dead skin cells and eliminates dryness by uniting Salicylic Acid and Pumice powder to prevent callous build-up. Peel away roughness and step out with smoother, silky-soft feet. Smoothes dryness and calluses, Prevents dry skin build-up, Prevents hyperkeratosis. Key Ingredients: Salicylic Acid, Corn Starch, Pumice, Beta-Carotene, Peppermint Oil.

This is a really unique product and I loved using it. I applied a fairly thin layer all over my feet, and then worked it gently and thoroughly until it started to kind of "peel" off. I rolled it off and then rinsed; and my feet were so smooth and soft. I was really thrilled at the difference. It did a great job on my heels as well as the more sensitive areas (like my ankles and between my toes).

Multi Active Foot Cream

Blurb: Restore and Smooth! Keep your feet deodorized, hydrated, and replenished with Multi-Active Foot Cream. Antibacterial, this homogenized cream contains a precise combination of Salicylic and Glycolic Acid to prevent epidermal thickening on your soles. Deeply moisturizing, it softens hardened, rough areas, rendering your feet restored and smooth. Reduces callus build-up. Smoothes and soothes. Softens and reduces cuticles. Eases dryness and dehydration. Hydrates and deodorizes. Balances heavy perspiration. Use morning and evening on thoroughly cleansed and dried feet and massage well until completely absorbed. Key Ingredients: Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Shea Butter, Tea Tree Oil, Orange Oil

This cream feels soooo good and really softens. Instead of a powdery finish, this has a lot more slip to it – making it very emollient and soothing. I used it in the evening and my feet were still super soft the next morning. Besides feeling great (thanks in part to the shea butter); it also contains salicylic acid and glycolic acid to promote turnover (and prevent thickening). After just a few days, I noticed that my feet are looking and feeling smoother.

The Spa Foot Line also includes Callous-Free Dry Oil, Tension Relief Foot Gel and Youth-Renew Caviar Hand and Foot Cream. You can browse their products by Body Area or check out the various Product Lines. There's even a section for Beauty Advice and Recommendations.


P.S.: Don't forget to enter my Giveaway this week!
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My Happy Pretty Feet: Liz Earle Foot Care (review)

Lately, I've been checking out Liz Earle Naturally Active Skincare. Besides a commitment to creating affordable pampering skincare (using naturally active ingredients), the folks at Liz Earle have an equal commitment to quality, service and integrity.

Blurb: Our principles are the same today as they were on day one. Our products really work on every skin type by harnessing the potent powers of the finest quality ingredients. They can really make a positive difference to the health and appearance of your skin. We don’t complicate things. We love simple, fuss-free, gentle and effective products that are honestly priced. We do everything we can, from the personal way we answer the phone to beautifully hand-wrapping every item. We try never to let you down in all that we do, but if something’s not right, call us. Environment: It’s our legacy too, so we’re always working on improving our environmental impact. We know we are not perfect but the more we do, the better we get. Animal testing: We never do it. Ingredients: High quality, safe, naturally active ingredients are our priority. We only use potent, premium natural source vitamin E, never synthetic. None of our ingredients are of animal origin (except beeswax, propolis and manuka honey). All products are suitable for vegetarians.

I really loved these two products from the New Foot Care Range.

Foot Scrub
Blurb: Our new Foot Scrub, containing natural pumice, gently yet intensively exfoliates the rough skin on your feet to leave them smooth and buffed to perfection. Includes softening avocado and wheatgerm oils, which are rich in vitamin E, and the invigorating aromas of peppermint and rosemary essential oils for sweet-smelling feet. It's quick and easy to use too: just massage onto damp skin or in the shower every day to keep dead skin cells at bay and leave feet feeling great all the time.

Such a great foot scrub! For one thing, it has lots (and lots) of pumice in the formula. I need a lot of “scrub” (especially in the summer), and this really did the job. It went right to work getting rid of the rough spots and the oils helped smooth and soften. I also loved the refreshing peppermint fragrance.

Foot Repair Moisturiser
Blurb: Follow with our refreshing peppermint-scented Foot Repair Moisturiser which uses a blend of shea butter (sourced through an African women's co-operative), skin-softening wheatgerm oil and avocado oil (rich in vitamin E), to intensively moisturise the driest of skins. Best of all, it sinks in fast so won't leave feet feeling greasy. With peppermint, rosemary and 7 other essential oils, this heavenly cream provides instant relief to tired, aching feet and lower legs and keeps them smelling sweet. Its gentle but hard-working formulation means it's perfect for men too.

This peppermint-scented moisturiser (spelled in Brittish) was the perfect thing for my newly buffed and smooth feet. It had the same great peppermint fragrance, felt creamy and rich, yet it absorbed very quickly (which is a big plus when it's time to put your shoes on). My feet felt cool, soothed and fresh for hours.

I can’t wait to try out some of Liz Earle’s other products. The website has lots of fun information (including a blog). There’s even a nifty Step By Step Home Pedicure Guide. Check out all the stuff: skincare, sun care, body care and accessories.
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Take it off, baby!

Were taking it off again today!

Ahem...usually I write about stuff to put on; but my last post was about a gadget that removed stuff ("stuff" being unwanted facial hair). I think I'll talk more about “removal” items again today. How about something to remove rough, dry, skin? Since the skin is our largest organ, it’s going to take more than one little dinky gadget to do the job. So here are three – count ‘em three – items to exfoliate from head to toe.

Face: Aquis Essentials Microfiber Face & Body Mitt

Blurb: Lavish your skin with the head-to-toe attention it deserves. The sumptuously soft, gently exfoliating Aquis® Essentials Face & Body Mitt reaches deep into pores to cleanse and rejuvenate. Created from ultra-fine microfibers that are gentle on skin, the Aquis® mitt expertly washes away makeup, cleanser, and the impurities of the day. Use it regularly for a healthy, vibrant glow.

This is really easy to use – just wet it, put your hand in the mitt and gently rub away dead skin. I use this almost every morning after cleansing to get rid of any remaining little flakes or rough spots. I think it's perfect for the face and neck, but not quite enough for the body. For body exfoliation, I use…

Body: Salux Nylon Japanese Beauty Cloth.

Blurb: Winner of the Invention Prize in Japan, unique patented design, in pleasing pastel colors. Light nylon fabric air dries quickly and completely - machine washable. Creates a rich lather while stimulating skin and blood circulation. Much longer than a normal washcloth to reach neck and back with ease.

It's all true. This is hands down the absolute best exfoliator I have ever used. Period. It beats a loofah sponge, sugar/salt scrubs or anything. Use with your favorite soap or cleanser, and you'll have smooth skin from collarbone to ankles.

Feet: Tweezerman Pedro Callus Stone
Blurb: For beautiful feet year round. This stylish and practical pedicure tool combines the ultimate in form and function for beautiful feet year round. Features superior quality ceramic stone with rough side for reducing calluses and fine side for smoothing skin and long handle for utmost comfort and control.

This is a really well made item. Both sides have nice large surfaces and curved shapes so there are fewer irritating edges. The long, easy to grip handle is fabulous. It makes the whole process simpler and more comfortable (since I don't have to twist myself into a pretzel to get all the areas of my foot).

If you happen to be on a budget, you may want to know that all three of these items together will run you about $30. Not bad. And they're all washable, reusable and durable. Also not bad.

Happy Monday!
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