Jo Malone Perfume Review

For those of you who are looking for a new scent, check out Jo Malone Perfumes. I was trying to get my hands on one of these bottles for a long time and finally got one.

Jo Malone perfumes have the most unique scents: from Earl Grey & Cucumber to Peony & Blush Suede to White Jasmine & Mint and many more.

I bought Blackberry & Bay for winter and felt it was a perfect scent for me. While fruity with notes of blackberry, it is really vibrant and warm and the notes of bay come through without being too spicy.

So if you are looking for a new scent or ever see a Jo Malone counter, a dare you to stop by...I can promise you will be surprised and hooked :)

Cheers,
Sasha

A Review of Zoya Polish Remover

Guys, this is it! :) This is an award winning, gentle polish remover that really works. I got the spill-proof container with the pump, and not only does it work beautifully, it preps the nails and doesn't dry them as the usual acetone polish remover does. If you are looking for a  new gentle yet effective polish remover, give this one a try.

http://www.zoya.com/content/category/Nail_Polish_Remover.html

Review of the Egyptian Magic Cream

I meant to post about The Egyptian Magic cream for months now, but kept getting distracted with everything else. Many of you have heard about this cream, some of you even bought it because of my recommendation, so it’s time to share with the rest J

The Egyptian Magic cream is an all-natural cream (even though I would qualify it as a balm, really) that has amazing moisturizing and healing ingredients. The cream has a celebrity following, but has also been used by doctors and even hospitals. It’s made of honey, beeswax, olive oil, royal jelly, bee pollen and bee propolis. It only takes six ingredients to show its magic! No additives, preservatives, fragrances, chemicals or parabens.

It says that it’s an “all purpose” cream, and I definitely concur J I refused to believe the hype, but when I was on vacation, my skin got very irritated. I had a small sample that I received from BeautyHabit (you can find it here), so I thought I’d give it a try. I used it both on my face and on my body and it worked beautifully.

The trick to it is to take the balm, warm it between your fingers until it softens and turns into oil, and gently apply it to your skin.

I recommend to use this cream on any irritated skin, even if you have some eczema or psoriasis. It gives relief to burns, wounds, and anything else you can think of! One of my friends that was struggling with allergies, needed some natural relief and the cream helped so much, that family now has several jars, in case somebody would travel and take the cream J

The cream can be found in quite a few natural stores, including Whole Foods. If you are looking for something like this, give this cream a try. It is worth every penny!

My All Time Favorite Toners

Hello Friends!

Since it's offically summer, I wanted to share my favorite toners with you. When it's hot and humid, as it usually is in NYC, the toner brings the cleansed skin moisture and exfoliation that we need to keep it clean and clear. I am going to give you a quick overview of my favorite toners.

The Body Deli Cucumber Juice Elixir

First, my face loves this toner. It really drinks it. There is no other way for me to explain it. It is only $26.00 and it is made out of pure raw ingredients - ionized water, to aloe vera, chamomile, comfrey, nettle, dandelion and some other raw and healthy ingredients. This toner is very refreshing, soothing, and definitely hydrates the skin. The Cucumber Juice Elixir is also perfect for cooling your skin when you were out in the sun.

https://thebodydeli.com/Products/Face/All-Facial-Products/Cucumber-Juice-Elixir.html

The Simply Divine Botanicals Gypsy Rose Tea Toner

I've used this toner for the last 6 years, and it is simply divine! It is only $29.95 and it is a natural toner/astringent that’s based on organic apple cider vinegar. According the company's website's description, the recipe was inspired by a 1500-year old formula made by Gypsies for the Queen of Hungry. The blend is infused for 6 weeks. The toner is very refreshing and is definitely effective. It works wonders on keeping oily skin feeling fresh, but does not dry out your skin at all, so it will work if your skin is dry. I love it in the summer.

http://www.simplydivinebotanicals.com/gypsyrosetea.html

Yonka Paris Lotion for Normal to Oily Skin Toner

This toner is absolutely amazing. If your skin is dry, they have a similar product for different type of skin. It is $41.00, but the bottle is pretty big and lasts awhile. I love it throughout the year, but it is amazing in the summer, because of its immediate and refreshing qualities that it has. It really calms the sunburned and inflamed skin and I even use it as a compress once in a while for an area of the skin that needs its properties asap.

I am totally addicted to its smell, which works for both genders. Essential oils of lavender, geranium, rosemary, cypress and thyme make this a must have in my house.

http://www.beautyhabit.com/product13235.html

Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist

I already wrote about this mist in one of my earlier posts here. Even though it is not officially a toner, you spray your skin after it is cleansed or you can spray the skin when it needs to be refreshed, so I think it qualifies to be in this category :) It is $24.00 and it is worth every penny. It is balancing, restorative and definitely hydrating. It's smell is to die for and I absolutely love it!

http://www.jurlique.com/skin-care/category/toning-mists/rbm/rosewater-balancing-mist

The Body Deli Hydra Mist

This mist is amazing and even though it has a pump, it works well for traveling because the bottle comes with a little piece of protection. It is very hydrating, and it is amazing for summer's weather. It is full of nutrients and it's raw ingredients are absolutely amazing. I even recommend using it after you apply your moisturizer. It is a little pricey, $55.00, but I think it lasts awhile, so it is worth it. Give this one a try, if you are looking for a very potent mist that you can also grab when travelling - this one is perfect!

https://thebodydeli.com/Products/Face/All-Facial-Products/Hydra-Mist.html

The Terressentials Organic Flower Therapy Exfoliating Facial Toner

I found this toner when reading some magazine or an article, when they were reviewing skin care products. This toner won the Best Toner Award in 2008. Now, it not very accessible in NYC (even though they sell it in some states, including CA), but I buy it online from the website, 4 bottles at a time, since it is worth it. It is $16.75, and it is another toner that my skin "drinks." It reduces blotchiness and brings your skin a glow. It is suitable for normal to oily skin, but I think it works for every skin type. This toner is really pure - hibiscus, green tea, aloe vera juice, and various other essential oils.

http://www.terressentials.com/facialcare.html

Ok. If you are looking for new toners, I hope you will find this review helpful. Always feel free to reach out, since I feel like I tried way too many products and might have a suggestion or two ;)

As a disclaimer, all the products that were featured were purchased by me. This is my personal opinion :)

Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Hello Friends!

Meant to post this much earlier, so sorry about that. For those of you who are still looking to buy some Mother’s day gifts or for the ones that forgot the day is almost here, I’ve got some ideas for you.

These are my top choices in the beauty department:

Jurlique Rose Hand Cream

It is a rich luxury cream that is worth every penny. I’ve been buying it for years and it is definitely my mom’s favorite hand cream. Trust me, it is worth it.  It smells of roses like no other cream…

Morrocan Oil

The legendary Morrocan Oil hair treatment. The one in the picture is the “Light” version that I have at home, but there is also a regular one. You can use it before blow drying your hair or after. It is light and makes your hair silky smooth. It is definitely a must have beauty product!

Aeto Botanica Organic Fortifying Mask (Bamboo and Wild Mango)

I’ve used this mask for years now and I do not travel without it. In the past, I’ve struggled with my hair when traveling. My hair would usually get dry and simply not-manageable (different water different hair products in the hotels made my hair cry :)). After discovering this mask, I always make sure to have it in my house. I use it as a conditioner if I don’t have time in the morning or as a mask when I don’t need to hurry. This mask will make a great mother's day gift.

Suki Exfoliating Foaming Cleanser

I already mentioned this product before, but wanted to add it to this post as well. The reason is, both, my mother and my mother-in-law love love love this cleanser. After I bought it for one mother, and the other one smelled it, the product was shared in minutes. The smell is divine and it can be a perfect gift on the Mother’s Day.

Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask by Origins

One of the Origins top sellers. It is a heavy cream that you use overnight that absorbs into your skin and makes your skin hydrated. Your skin will love it. It’s been stamped and approved by mothers, trust me ;)

Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist

It is an amazing product. You can use it as a toner or just a pick me up product throughout the day. It is a great compliment to a rose hand cream by Jurlique, but can make a phenomenal product by itself. Give it a try!

Deep Sleep Pillow Spray by This Works

If you think this is just another pillow spray, you are wrong. It is a perfect gift. For anyone who wants to sleep better and try to relax before falling asleep, this product is a must. I’ve bought this for couple of people in my family/friends and they all love it.

In Fiore Chamomile Pedicure Luxury Treatment Balm

It is a nourishing and restorative foot balm. It is a divine product like anything else made by this brand. It is one of the products that your mama (or you) would want to have on the night stand.

Hope this helps for anyone who was looking to snag something last minute. These products have a Brackenheimer stamp of approval ;)

All-Time Favorite Cleansers

Well, the days when I thought facial cleansers were useless for your skin…are over. For the last year or two I realized how crucial they are (to keep the skin clean, healthy, and happy), and I will never go back and not clean my skin thoroughly before going to bed. Don't get me wrong, I always used cleansers, but thirty second cleanse is just not good enough...

For those of you who are looking to try a new cleanser this spring and refresh your routine, I've got some recommendations.

These have been re-bought quite a few times, so they have been tested and tried on a very sensitive skin. 

Suki Exfoliating Foaming Cleanser ( ~ $33.0)

Natural sugar crystals exfoliate your skin and leave your skin feeling refreshed and awake in the morning. I prefer to use in in the morning when I am in the shower, but you can use it in the evening too, I am sure. I use it 2-3 days a week. Sugar crystals melt away very quickly allowing your skin to get exfoliated and thoroughly cleaned at the same time.

 Jurlique Balancing Foaming Cleanser ( ~ $34.0)

It works great on sensitive skin. It is not drying and leaves your skin feeling squicky clean (but in a nice way)! It helps with impurities and leaves your skin clean but still hydrated. You can use it any time of the day.

You Can’t Zit Here by Simply Divine Botanicals ( ~ $25.0)

I have used this cleanser for the last 6 years, and never travel without it. It’s been a staple in my house and I absolutely love it. Try it and I promise you, you will love it. It works great on blemishes and has special ingredients that help with them -  Tamanu oil, Neem oil, and various essential oils.

Eve Lom Cleanser Balm ( ~ $50.0 - $135.0)

This became my favorite one for the evening cleansing. It is a pricey one, but worth every penny. It comes with a 100% cotton muslin cloth and is an award-winning cleanser that cleanses, decongests, and exfoliates at the same time. It has more of a “medical” smell to it (for the lack of a better word), but I love it. It leaves your skin feeling hydrated and very clean. I don’t even need to use a toner afterwards.

I have tried a lot more cleansers and many I have liked, but these are my absolute favorite. As my friends call me, I am a skin care junkie, so if you are looking to add a new cleanser to your routine, give one of these a go.

Cheers,

Sash

A Perfect Lip Balm for Winter – A Nuxe Ultra-Nourishing Lip Balm Review

Good morning!

I wanted to share a quick beauty review with you today. This winter, I have been searching for a perfect lip balm. I’ve always struggled to find a perfect lip product because usually, I can taste the product in my mouth and my throat, which drives me crazy. Especially during this winter, I was on a mission to find a perfect lip balm, since it was colder than usually in NYC.

I wanted a nourishing lip product that would be thick enough for winter, but not too heavy; After trying every lip balm I could find in in the house, none of them did a trick. I felt like I was putting them on every hour and there was no relief.

For those of you in NYC, you can find this even in Duane Reade stores, but not in all of them. Quite a few places have been sold out for months, and let me tell, for a good reason. This product has a texture of cocoa butter, with a pleasant smell (not too strong), and no horrible aftertaste.

Last thing – not the cheapest product ($19.00 w/o tax), but worth every penny. If you are looking for a perfect lip balm, try it, you’ll love it!

Cheers,

Sash

A Must-Have Product - A Bioderma Makeup Remover Review

Hi All,

Happy New Year! Haven't written in a while...I am sorry about that. Many of you know that my mama got very sick last year, so I had to focus on that. I plan on posting more things this year, including product reviews. While traveling and going through my products, I realized that there are certain products I cannot live without. So that being said...this is my first. Hope you like it.

Today I would like to share with you the best make up remover - by BIODERMA. In addition to removing your eye make up, you can also use it on your face. However, I cherish it, so only my eyes get this good stuff ;)

Try it, you'll love it. I promise. I am sure you can find it in more places that this, but I know at least these two places carry it.

• Beautyhabit - http://beautyhabit.com/
• New London Pharmacy in Chelsea, NYC - http://www.newlondonpharmacy.com/

Cheers,

Sasha

Airplane Ziploc Essentials - Beauty Necessities for Flying

I think many women search and think what beauty products to bring with them on the airplane. What do you put in that ziploc bag?

Since I recently travelled, I wanted to share my essentials. Please keep in mind that I always try to use samples or use products in small contrainers that I used in the past. Everything fits, including even a full bottle of foundation :) I will also add the products that I personally used and loved.

1.  Hand sanitizer (I loved Frais hand sanitizer, but whichever one you have will be useful)
2. Face wipe (if the flight is longer than 5 hours, I use the face wipe, so my skin can breathe). My favorite – Klorane make up removal wipes with cornflower)
3. Eye cream/gel (I used Komenuka Bijin - Eye Moisture Gel. I used it several times and finally bought the full size product)
4. Hand cream (My favorite for traveling is Rose Hand Cream by Jurlique. It is thick enough that your hands feel moisturized for a long time)
5. Lip balm
6. Face water spray (I use Evian or Avene facial spray)
7. Toner (not necessary for shorter flights, but for longer, it made a huge difference for me. I brought Chidoriya Peach Moon Water travel size and loved it so much, that I bought a full size bottle)
8. Moisturizer (something a little heaver would be appropriate since the air on the airplane is very drying. I used Cosmetics 27 baume and Crème de la Rose from Body Deli http://thebodydeliaffiliate.com/375.html. Baume 27 worked wonders)
9. Jao - Goe All over Body Oil (my favorite body moisturizer. I do not travel without it and if my skin needs extra moisture, it works like a charm. If you don't have space for it in you ziploc bag, at least put it in your suitcase. I promise you, you will love it)
10. Concealer/blush (to freshen yourself up, you can use some concealer and blush. I love Becca products and those two work great) 
11. Foundation 
12. Sample of some perfume that you can use upon your landing to freshen up (I prefer some fresh light smell. The sample that I used - Carthusia - Mediterraneo Eau de Toilette from Beautyhabit - was absolutely wonderful)

In the past, I used to break out over long flights. Nowadays, by giving the skin extra pampering, my skin is fresh and dewy upon arrival at my destination. By using the face wipe and removing the dirt and make up, by either spraying it with face water or using a toner, and adding a moisturizer, your skin will have extra moisture that it so needs in the very dehydrating cabin.

I only wrote about my beauty essentials. Besides them, I always carry probiotic, charcoal if my stomach starts bothering me, ibuprofen, and allegra.

I hope I didn’t forget about anything and I hope some of the items would be useful to you on your next flight.

Happy Flying!!

Body Deli's Glacial Mud Masque - Review

Dear Friends,

I hope all of you are doing well. I wanted to share another beauty product that I stand by completely. It’s called Glacial Mud Masque. It is made by Body Deli company, which proudly makes their products from scratch once you order them. They use raw ingredients and ship their products with ice packs.

Website: http://thebodydeliaffiliate.com/375.html

My face craves this mask. I’ve been using it for two years now and it is a staple in my skin care routine.

I do not travel without it. It is a product that I use more frequently if I fall from my healthy diet routine, which happens to all of us. 

Best way to use it – before the shower in the morning. Your skin will be fresh, pink, and healthy.

Price: $24.00

If you are looking for a deep cleansing mask that will keep your skin healthy, this is it.

Cheers,

Sasha

Product Review - Best Body Moisturizer Ever

I know I promised many of you to post my favorite beauty products. I thought I’d start today.

One of my favorite products ever that I cannot live without is Jao Body Oil. According to the company’s description, Jao Oil consists of a combination of 28 plant fruit and flower oils and butters. Lightly scented with Monoi from Tahiti. It goes into the skin quickly and leaves it feeling incredibly smooth. Lighter than a typical body butter, longer lasting than a moisturizer, this formulation has a high percentage of Jojoba oil.

I purchased it first for my honeymoon in Maui. Not only did I use it every day, it works great on sun-burned skin. It really saved me and my skin. It is 3 oz, so it is perfect for traveling. You won’t need any other body moisturizer. It will work for your hands, feet, and even hair. I love it and I no longer travel without it.

Price: ~ $30

Trust me, it simply rocks!