Josie Maran Moisturizer

Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 47

It's 1a.m. and once again I find myself wrapped up in QVC. Makeup, makeup, makeup, more makeup!!!!! This time Josie Maran is on to share her line with an emphasis on the Argan Moisturizer with SPF. Well, you've gotten my attention with SPF and I do love the luxurious Argan oil. Sounds like a no brainer, right? So I head on over to the trusty 'ol Sephora. I want to touch it, feel it, smell it, talk to someone about it. You know, bask in my obsession a bit. The lady at Sephora tells me the Moisturizer has been one of their best sellers ad that for a while they had trouble keeping it in stock. She pours me a generous sample to take home and try and I am happy as a clam.

I wanted so badly to like this moisturizer. But sadly, it did not work for me. The lotion goes on thick and white like a sunscreen. This is actually a good thing. Your sunscreens should always go on a thick white and then absorb. The whiteness of the Josie Maran lotion faded but I was left with a heavy tacky texture on my skin. All day long I felt like my skin was incredibly oily and I couldn't wait to wash it. Pieces of hair would stick to my face and was certain the shiny glare of my skin was blinding.

As much as I wanted a little bottle upon my counter-top, I won't be returning to purchase any.

Multi Purpose Guest Room

When MR and I moved to Denver last month we so excited to finally have a larger apartment with more SPACE! You see, I had moved into MR's cozy one bedroom bachelor pad and with our combined belongings we were busting at the seams. Hence the upgrade to a spacious two bedroom. We had so many hopes and dreams for this room: an office, a movie room, a guest room, a place to do activities, a meditation space, a zen room...the possibilities were endless. It was fun to talk and plan what the future room might be, until we arrived at Ikea and the task of furnishing the room became a reality. A decision had to be made as to how to use the space, and after much deliberating, we think it turned out pretty grand. We found a rug at Home Depot for $149 that gave us a calming color palate. Two chaise lounges bolted underneath with a c-clamp provide a cozy place for reading or watching a movie and with the cushion removed makes about a full sized bed (we also have nice air mattresses). We found a simple desk to put in the corner and threw in a 65" TV for movie time.

Here is the side with the desk and TV

And here is the room empty

What Is Lipstick Made Of?

A basic lipstick is made of waxes, oils, and pigments. They have fillers such as mica, corn starch, and rice starch. Bismuth oxychloride can irritate skin and is found in mineral cosmetics. Carmine, which is an insect derived pigment. Many lipsticks contain titanium dioxide which can block harmful sun rays but most glosses do not.

How Does Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics Make Their Products?

Good Question!!! Here is a really cool video showing how the Brazened Honey Fresh Face Mask is made.

When Should You Start Using Anti-Aging Products?

Wrinkles and signs of aging are a result of the breaking down of collagen in the skin. Collagen is the protein responsible for giving skin it's structure. As we get older our collagen, or scaffolding, starts to degrade and we see wrinkles and drooping where smooth and perky used to be.

This process usually starts in the late twenties to early thirties depending on lifestyle and genetics.

The old adage "A stitch in time saves nine" truly applies here and prevention is key. Start treating skin at the first signs of aging with retinols, antioxidants, and collagen boosters.

Beauty Products: Why Less Is More

If you are anything like me, a heaping pile of skin care products warms your heart. I love to try new products, experience the different textures, and revel in the glow of a good purchase. But the truth is, less is more when it comes to products. Have a million lipsticks, but keep your skin care regimen to a limited number of products.

Why to minimize the number of skin care products you use:

• If you have irritation or a reaction it is easier to identify the offender
• The less steps (products) in your skin care regimen, the more likely you are to use the products and stick to your regimen
• Less products means less opportunity for adverse reactions
• You'll be able to tell what is working and what isn't 
• You'll save heaps of money

Intrinsic vs Extrinsic Aging

Intrinsic aging is determined by our genetic code. Without the proper products and health decisions intrinsic aging can be somewhat mitigated. The components of intrinsic aging are:

• The outer barrier of skin weakens
• DNA repair slows
• Blood flow decreases
• Chronic inflammation increases

Extrinsic Aging is determined by environmental factors. Photoaging (sun damage) is the number one cause of extrinsic aging. Components of extrinsic aging are:

• Sun damage
• Smoking
• Stress
• Poor nutrition
• Sleep deprivation

Don't fall into the play now, pay later skin care mentality. I was recently on a cruise and saw two young early twenty somethings slathering on the oil and tanning accelerator, their skin already dark crispy brown. It took everything I had not to lean over and tell them how much they would regret all this sun exposure once they reach their thirties!