photo: we heart this
We are unabashed Anglophiles here at wht, and skincare therapist Sarah Chapman is next in line for our throne of adoration! I would hop the next flight across the pond this instant if I could get an appointment with this much sought-after facialist at her London spa. Her client list includes many respected journalists and celebrities, including Jemma Kidd, Naomi Watts, and the Queen of Jordan. People lucky enough to be treated to one of her personalized facials rave about Sarah’s magical fingers! And of course, her amazing line of products.
Sarah is well known throughout England from her numerous TV appearances as a resident beauty expert for various channels. Her 18 years of experience in the field are apparent when you watch her video clips, but it’s not just her obvious expertise in her area, it’s her easy-going style and her own true beauty that make me want to watch and learn more from her. To see what I mean, check out this clip of Sarah comparing faces made up with makeup ranging from just a few dollars to hundreds of dollars.
In it, Sarah shares with us that it’s not so much the high price tag that makes an effective product, but the inclusion of crucial ingredients like antioxidants, vitamin A, peptides, and first and foremost, sunscreen. If your product has those ingredients, it’s going to do the job whether it’s low or high cost – brilliant advice! That being said, if you want to have the utmost confidence in your products, and you can’t catch the next flight to England to have one of Sarah’s signature facials, then you may want to try the next best thing!
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Filed in: beauty & fashion,reviews
Our review of the newest balm from the Rosebud Perfume Co.
photo: we heart this
The product up for review at we heart this today needs no introduction. If you have even a passing interest in beauty, you have probably heard of the Rosebud Perfume Co.’s
Rosebud Salve. For years, this little tin of joy has brought delight to beauty lovers of all types, from drugstore divas to magazine editors and everyone in between.
I remember, over a decade ago, on my very first visit to a Sephora, as I stood in line with an overflowing basket, I saw the unmistakable tin of the Rosebud Salve in a bin near the registers. I had read about this salve in beauty insider articles and saw it on top product lists for years. I quickly snatched one up to see what all the hype was about. Since that day, a Rosebud Perfume Co. balm has always been with in my reach on bedside or coffee table.
I discovered, like so many before me, that this adorable and economical tin of sweet smelling balm has a myriad of uses. And since you can’t improve on perfection, the Rosebud Perfume Company hasn’t messed with their formula, a “trade secret blend of essential oils”, when introducing a few carefully edited new scents over the years.
The wht review team, who had already nominated this balm to our Mag 7 Lip Balm List, recently received the latest Rosebud flavor, Mocha Rose
, for review. Packaged in a charming pink tin with vintage graphics, this balm is a “special petrolatum base infused with mocha, chocolate and vanilla ‘coffee shop’ flavors”.
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Filed in: beauty & fashion,reviews
Work out with Hollywood trainer Mandy Ingber and her Yogalosophy DVD
Maybe you’re like me and could use a bit more exercise. Trying to maintain some sort of regular exercise schedule can be a seriously difficult task. I’ve had many a battle with the elliptical… and, sadly, the elliptical won. I’m also always on the hunt for new exercise DVD’s and have been through pilates, ballet, and yoga routines a plenty. The problem with DVD’s? If I get bored, or can’t relate to the instructor, it’s all over, and the DVD finds a permanent place buried in the shelves of my TV cabinet. That was until I discovered Yogalosophy.
Yogalosophy is a yoga DVD developed by L.A. based fitness instructor, Mandy Ingber. For those of you who haven’t heard her name, Mandy has trained Jennifer Aniston (who introduces the DVD), has been featured in Self, Vogue, InStyle and Glamour, and was also named “Best of LA” in both Los Angeles Magazine and LA Weekly for her sell out classes and exercise tips.
I couldn’t wait for this DVD to come out. I’d read about Mandy and I was extremely impressed with her philosophy and style. Plus, who wouldn’t want a body like Jennifer Aniston’s, right? I was very excited to give it a try. It’s a little bit pricier than the average exercise DVD ($29.95), but I figured (based on what I spend on makeup and hair products), I could splurge this one time!
I’m so happy I plunked down the cash for this one. For me, what makes Mandy’s DVD better than most I’ve tried is that I can relate to her and really enjoy listening to her lead me through the routine. (As a fellow exercise DVD fan, that’s a nice compliment, why are so many exercise instructors so relentlessly peppy? ~Tyna) She is amazingly down to earth and funny and her DVD feels like I’m working out with one of my girlfriends.
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Filed in: read, watch, listen
Our review of the mascara and brush that deliver killer lashes
photos: we heart this
I love experimenting with new makeup and since becoming a tester for this fabulous site I’ve been introduced to a slew of products and brands I would never have tried on my own. And while it’s fun to try new things, I still remain faithful to a few choice items. One of those is my mascara; that infamous, affordable mascara in the pink and green tube has been my trusted brand for years. But, I have to admit, I may have found a mascara that’s not only worth shelling out a few extra bucks for, but one that could become a permanent addition to my makeup collection. It’s Peter Thomas Roth’s Lashes To Die For, The Mascara
.
Lashes To Die For, The Mascara ($22) is a special formula created to deliver great looking lashes while nourishing and protecting. Thanks to Roth’s background of natural Hungarian skin therapy, his concern for beneficial products not only draws upon those traditional treatments but a variety of advanced and innovative technologies to offer a line of products to make you look and feel good. True to philosophy, with ingredients like bamboo, aloe vera, macadamia nut oil, silk powder, vitamins A, C and E and Pro Vitamin B, this mascara not only conditions but protects against moisture loss and makes your lashes look gorgeous too!
One of the secrets of its success is in the special brush applicator. Unlike a traditional mascara brush, this is like a rounded plastic comb (check it out in the top photo). The applicator has two sets of bristles: the longer for lengthening, separating and enhancing curl, the shorter for coverage and thickness. I found that if I turned the applicator one way I could fully coat my lashes without looking clumpy. Another turn and they were lengthened, separated and nicely defined. I haven’t touched my eyelash comb since using this mascara and my lashes have never looked this thick, long and lush before! And while it goes on smoothly with only a couple of sweeps for full coverage, I can still build up the product for a dramatic look while still keeping my lashes soft and natural looking.
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Filed in: beauty & fashion,reviews
Clueless about organizing for back to school? Don’t worry – I’ll school you! So much has changed since the days when I was getting ready to go back to school each fall. Seems cell phones and laptops are necessities and that’s just for the kindergarteners!
Thankfully things haven’t changed so much that I don’t recognize any of the essentials. Some of my favorites are still necessary, and they will have your honor student racing to homeroom before the whistle even blows.
But school isn’t all about beautiful binders and new backpacks. (Although they are the best parts!) Starting the school year organized creates a fertile ground in which to learn. If your child is prepared, it is likely they will be relaxed, confident and free to express themselves academically and socially.
Basically, their performance will be better. We know this is true for ourselves so why wouldn’t it be true for our kids? When we prepare our own job materials, tools, and schedules we feel ready to take on the world! It is never to early to learn the benefits of organization.
So we are agreed. Organizing children is a good idea! That takes care of the “Why?” Now on to the other important questions…
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Filed in: home & living,how to,pets & kids
It’s true, we’re feeling the love for Murad. Here’s something for you to love too. Order Dr. Murad’s new book The Water Secret
: The Cellular Breakthrough to Look and Feel 10 Years Younger before September 6th and get a free gift!
It’s available for preorder now at Amazon, as well as Borders, Barnes and Noble, walmart.com and target.com. Order by September 6th and receive a free AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser, a $65 value and the only skincare item we’ve reviewed at wht to receive a 5-star rating!
All you need to do is forward your online order confirmation (from any of the above retailers) to TheWaterSecret@Murad.com and you will receive the cleanser shipped directly from Murad. One of our members has already done this and received her confirmation.
Healthy tips directly from the Dr. himself and a fabulous free gift? You can’t lose!
Disclosure: This post contains an affiliate link, a link that gives us a small commission if you purchase the item. For more info, or any questions, please see our disclosure policy.
Filed in: what a deal
photo: Stef Andrews
Me, that’s who! We are thrilled to announce that we heart this has been added to the extended LA County Fair family with the introduction of me as the very first Official Fair Foodie. (And lucky for me, Tyna’s coming too!)
So, what does that mean exactly? Well, if you’re in the LA area, get ready to to see me all over the TV on Friday September 3rd, eating assorted goodness and discussing the fun that the fair has to offer. Not a local? We’ll be tweeting all day and uploading photos (which can be see in the bottom of our left column, and on our Twitpic page). It will be like you are there with us!
Plus, we’ll be bringing you posts throughout the month of September detailing our LA County Fair adventures (and hosting a few giveaways as well). Every goat fed, every ride screamed on, every chocolate-covered bacon-wrapped Oreo eaten; we’ll fill you in on the experience. I am all in, and you will be too!
Filed in: potluck
Our Green Monday Review of the unique seasonally themed skincare collection.
photo: we heart this
Our routines and desires change with the seasons. In the summer I want fresh fruit, sandals, and bright colored clothes. While in the fall and winter I tend towards jewel tones, soup, and thick tights. But how often does your skin care routine change? I know my routine tends to remain pretty constant, so why am I always surprised when my skin bucks at the change of the seasons? As the weather around us changes, so should our skin care.
Elemental Herbology was founded by Kristy Goodger, a spa consultant with over 10 years under her belt. She says, “I don’t believe in the classical skin types as we can all be a little dry, a little congested and so on as skin reacts and changes. It’s seasonal, plus lifestyle and hormonal factors that underpin these changes.” With this belief she created not only a line of skin care products for the face and body but a whole slew of daily, weekly, and special occasion ‘“prescriptions and rituals” to help your ever changing skin adapt to the ever changing seasons. The wht team had a chance to put this unique perspective to the Green Monday test by reviewing two Elemental Herbology products.
Not surprisingly, a company so in tune with seasons and nature is eco-minded as well, using potent levels of botanical, mineral and marine actives that clean and calm in the warmer seasons, and hydrate and repair during the cooler ones. Elemental Herbology believes in responsible harvesting and production and are “100% committed to sourcing their ingredients from the world’s most reputable suppliers.” Additionally, the entire line of products is free of mineral oils, synthetic fragrance and colours, sulphates, PABA sun screens and paraben preservatives (and of course, are all cruelty-free).
Our testers each received the Facial Glow Radiance Peel and the Biodynamic Facial Soufflé intensive hydration and repair mask. I was immediately struck by the packaging. I really love the simple and elegant design. It’s classic and adds a touch of easy class to any counter top. The entire package can be responsibly recycled and all Elemental Herbology packaging components use lipoanimated, SLS-free surfactants that are 100% bio-degradable.
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Filed in: beauty & fashion,green monday,reviews
How the Murad Inclusive Health Approach is helping my skin (and mind, body and soul!)
When Stef and I were invited to the world renowned Murad Inclusive Health Spa to visit with the man himself, we could not say yes fast enough. We’ve been beauty obsessed since our teens, have a lifetime of careful shopping behind us, plus over 5 years in the make up review industry and if asked today to name a great, affordable skin care line, both of us would place Murad vey high on the list. We were thrilled to receive a detailed look at one of our most beloved brands.
If you are like me, you may have I imagined the Dr Murad in some white on white, uber-high-tech laboratory in the Swiss Alps; nope, he’s here practicing his extraordinary skills in the Los Angeles area. Our trip to the Murad Inclusive Health Spa included quality chatting time with the legend himself and we walked away with skincare knowledge that will stay with us forever.
In fact, some of these profoundly simple, but effective “secrets” to healthy skin have already made an improvement in my skin, body, mind and soul. After all, when you physically look better, you definitely feel better emotionally. Which means you’re more likely to stick to those good habits and the cycle keeps repeating. We’ll be listing some of these simple steps that have started to make a drastic difference for us at the end of this article, but first, an introduction to Dr. Murad and the Inclusive Health philosophy.
Howard Murad, M.D. has devoted his life to “to making beautiful, healthy skin attainable for everyone”. Murad Inc., his highly effective, affordable skincare line was established in 1989 as his way of sharing pioneering skincare formulas (from years of practicing medicine and clinical research) with the world. These “scientifically-proven formulas and (Dr. Murad’s) inclusive approach to overall skin and body health have helped millions to live better lives.”
You can add Stef and I to that list, as just one morning spend with Dr. Murad and his Inclusive Health Practitioners, has helped us both make some positive differences in our lives! While Dr. Murad is a true skin visionary (he pioneered many innovative, now commonplace, treatment concepts including alpha hydroxy acids, antioxidants, infusion technology and the introduction of pomegranate into skincare), the concept behind the Inclusive Health Approach is simple and classic.
Read more for my top tips gleamed from a day with Dr. Murad…
Filed in: beauty & fashion
Think of today’s 4 for Friday as quick shopping trip with a friend. A friend who calls you and says “I need a new necklace but I don’t know which one to pick.” I am said friend, please help me decide! (clockwise from top left)
• I’ve got a thing for both chunky silver and anything hand crafted. This Hammered Link Necklace fits the bill on both counts. Completely handmade, starting from fine silver wire, then fused with a torch, hammered and tumbled for shine and strength. A true artisans necklace! $98
• In an ideal world, I could buy the one-of-a-kind Monet’s Garden Bib Necklace (which just may be the prettiest necklace I’ve ever seen). Comprised of 6 strands of pure jewels; precious and semi-precious stones are individually knotted and finished with solid white 14K gold findings with diamonds. LOVE! ($2750)
(I wouldn’t be mad if someone bought this for me. Just sayin’…)
• The artist calls this her Wind necklace. I could call it my throw on and look super cute but not like you tried to hard necklace. I can even choose the length I’d like (17, 19 or 21 inches). Plus, how can you beat that price? $24
• Who knew a simple layer of fringe could make such a huge statement? This threehorses original is a hand dip dyed, black and nude fringe that hangs from a simple leather strap. Can you imagine how amazing this would be with a really low cut V-neck? $36
Filed in: etsy 4 for Friday
