Thursday, April 15, 2021
Are Leave-in Hair Conditioners Necessary?
Tuesday, April 13, 2021
Saint Laurent Is The Best Value Luxury Bag
If you must own a luxury bag there's no judgment here on THE SAVVY SHOPPER. Living in Manhattan, I look at Hermes, Chanel and Dior all the time in the shops so I understand the appeal of the handbags and totes, but don't own any myself since I don't covet them enough to pay the piper.
Thursday, April 8, 2021
Woolzies Rose Oil Smells Amazing
Perhaps you've noticed? I rarely write about perfume. (Only twice have I done so which I'll link below.) Because. I don't buy or wear it. I'm an essential oils kind of gal. My all time favorite scent is rose oil. But pure rose oil is very expensive, so usually I buy a quality blend, making sure rose oil is the 1st ingredient. Okay Blended Rose oil, which smells amazing, is a favorite!
Thanks again to T.J. Maxx, I discovered another quality pure essential rose oil blend with beneficial skin ingredients that also smells sensational! Woolzies is its manufacturer, and the company is committed to using only the finest organic fruits, flowers and leaves while preserving the earth. Woolzies' essential oils are cold-pressed or steam-pressed to retain all their essence.
In addition to the 5% Rosa Damascene content, the 100% pure essential oil blend has 4 other essential oils that benefit the skin. The 5 essential oils are listed on the bottle in the following order, and I've also researched each essential oil's benefit to the skin:
Rosa Damascene - It comes from the Damask rose. Reduces pain and inflammation. Contains anti-aging antioxidants. Clears up acne.
Geranium oil - Tightens the skin to reduce the appearance of wrinkles; its antioxidants are thought to slow down aging.
Neroli oil - Speeds up skin cell turnover. Reduces inflammation and redness. Improves stretch marks, dark spots and scars.
Citronella oil - Promotes wound healing and is a natural insect repeller. (Citronella oil is an odor in this blend, which I'm not crazy about, but mosquitoes hate it, so it's a fair trade off. The scent is slight while the rose oil is powerful.)
Palmrosa oil - Hydrates and reduces inflammation.
According to Dr. Andrew Weil, a leader of integrated medicine who is also a Harvard educated doctor, inflammation is the main cause of aging. So we get a few inflammation fighters in the blend!
What's more, in several scientific studies all 5 listed essential oils show promise in easing, stress, anxiety and depression. The pleasant floral scent is a natural mood lifter.
Since the rose oil blend consists of pure essential oils, it is concentrated and therefore must be diluted before rubbing on your skin. Dilute the rose oil blend in carrier oils (such as coconut oil, olive oil, almond oil, or jojoba oil, etc.), or body lotion, or water.
Right after my shower, I put a few drops in my palm and mix with coconut oil (or olive oil), which I use to moisturize my skin. Personally, I like rose oil as a scent instead of perfume. Sometimes I rub a drop on the ends of my hair also. Sooo, if you catch me smelling a lock of my own hair, it's not vanity, but the intoxication of rose oil!😅😍
Tuesday, April 6, 2021
Spinel: A Case of Mistaken Identity
Photo: jewelry.org - Spinel often grows in limestone |
Spinel has a "long, storied history." Some of the most famous "rubies" in the world belonging to monarchs, including the Black Prince's Ruby, a centerpiece of the British Imperial State Crown, turned out to be spinel once modern science caught up with it. Why it was impersonating a ruby nobody knows! Perhaps it's because spinel and ruby often grow in the same mine.
You may notice the Black Prince's Ruby has a tiny stone in it. Why? Some Einstein thought it a great idea to cut a hole in this lovely stone to place a feather in it! WTH, did he not know that fads come and go!!
In fact, spinels (MAI2O4) are minerals, namely octahedral crystals, consisting mostly of magnesium and aluminum. They tend to be more reflective -- glittering more than rubies, its former neighbor. Like sapphires, spinels come in a range of vibrant colors, perhaps the most coveted hues being red and blue. Yet, all the colors are gorgeous!
The Tumur "Ruby" in the Imperial Crown of Russia |
Fortunately for Savvy Shoppers, the popularity and demand for spinel gemstones hasn't caught up with its beauty, so you can get a big rock for much less than you'd pay for sapphires or rubies.
Thursday, April 1, 2021
Happy Easter My Lovelies
Photo: Patch |
Photo: Country Living Equally important to note: Life is meant to be lived -- happy, enjoyed and purposeful, so try to reach out where and when you can to make a connection and difference in someone else's life. |
Photo: recordonline |
Photo: Istock - Getty |
Tuesday, March 30, 2021
Powder Play Lip Color By Flower
Weeks ago Flower by Drew Barrymore lunched a new powder to cream lip color. Once applied to the lips with a wand, Powder Play -- the lightweight powder, transfers into a soft moisturizing cream. The new product softens and soothes lips while leaving them with a pop of natural color, as well as, a soft, powdery look that overwhelmingly customers like.
Customers approve of the smooth texture; and report it does, indeed, moisturize lips while the flattering pigments have real staying power. The Powder Play Lip Colors endure like matte lipstick without drying out lips as matte lipstick tends to do.
The retailer calls each powdery shade a perfectly imperfect soft focus of color.
I'm only now featuring Flower's new item launch because who is wearing lip color under their face masks nowadays? Before COVID I wore lipstick every single day, but haven't touched it much over the past year. Now that the COVID vaccines are rolling out under a new administration, perhaps we can get excited about makeup launches again!
This newest formula from Flower -- an awesome and affordable beauty brand -- is highly rated with tons of 5 star reviews! (Watch out expensive luxe makeup, there's a new beauty sharif in town for less!!!) The cost is $10, and Ultra is now offering a $3.50 coupon here for spending $15.
Thursday, March 25, 2021
Brain Health: Do These 4 Things Every Day
Photo: Ashley Productions |
According to an article in ARRP magazine (April, 2020) about Brain Health, there are 4 things we all should do every day to keep our brains functioning and healthy:
1) Spend time with friends and family, involving our brains by discussing current events and new ideas.
Go here to see this book. |
3) Exercise. It could simply be brisk walking.
Tuesday, March 23, 2021
Vionic Shoes With Orthotic Arch Support
If you have high arches like I do and must walk miles on concrete, you get to a point you'll only buy shoes with solid arch support to avoid feet pain (and surgery) in the future. Ideally all your shoes should stabilize your heels too, but doctors know people desire sandals during the summer. If we must wear flip flops, pediatrists have said Vionic flip flops with arch support are way better than other flimsy options.
Thursday, March 18, 2021
Cabochon Cut Gemstones
Photo: 1stdibs - A cabochon cut emerald |
Photo: Raf Jewels - ruby |
Photo: Barlows Gems |