For some, Valentine’s Day is that one day focused on showering your significant other with lavish gifts and lots of love. Unfortunately, it’s easy to forget about the most important person in your life – you. Show yourself some love all February long with the help of these “lovely” products.

Philip B. Double Happiness Bath Collection – Body Wash Duo
$62 at www.philipb.com (A $70 Value!)
Double your happiness with the botanically rich Chai Latte Soul & Body Wash and Thai Tea Mind & Body Wash. Opposites attract with these two as the Thai Tea Mind & Body Wash has a calming, skin-cooling effect and the Chai Latte Soul & Body Wash has a warming effect, with a spicy, aromatic blend.  This pairing is made up of healing botanicals that will leave your skin soft, silky, and glowing! Packaged in a signature Philip B. black gift box and tied with a red satin ribbon.

 Davines LOVE Smoothing Shampoo & Conditioner
Shampoo: $23 Conditioner: $26 at www.davines.com
Show your dry and frizzy hair some love with deeply moisturizing and nourishing Indian fig extract found in the Davines LOVE Collection. Hair becomes manageable, smooth and silky even after years of damage causing the hair to become harsh and coarse. This natural wonder even reduces hair static and maintains shine for hours after rinsing.

ONE Crush Mini Iron
$30 at www.ONEStyling.com
In a love hate relationship with your straightening iron? Maybe it is time to switch to an iron that minimizes heat damage and split ends while maintaining maximum temperature and superior heat recovery. Get salon-like results at home while eliminating frizz and smoothing hair the healthy way. The Mini Crush Iron is incredibly affordable, easy to handle, travel accessible and so cute that it is nearly impossible not to have a crush.

Clark’s Botanicals Lip Tint in Because I Love You
$19 at www.clarksbotanicals.com
Intense, long lasting hydration and natural moisturizers like shea butter, aloe leaf extract, jojoba and sweet almond oil make this tint a must-have. The sheer coral color is pretty on all skin tones and gives a warm, flirtatious hint of color with just one quick swipe.

GIVEAWAY: We’re giving away ONE of each of the above (over $100 value) to a lucky fan. To enter, leave us a comment below telling us how you plan to pamper yourself this Valentine’s Day.  BONUS points by inviting your friends to give us a LIKE on Facebook by clicking HERE!  US only please! We apologize to our International fans.

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Tired of those groggy mornings? Feel like you’re dragging your feet? Vitabath has revitalized their body wash collection and introduced the Fragrance Collection. These scents range from luxurious spa-scented body washes to invigorating and uplifting scents. They can definitely boost your spirits during those morning showers before work!

I had a chance to try out the new Vitabath line, particularly the Asian Orchid & Coconut Body Wash. It has angelica extract, along with Vitamins A, B3, B5, C and E. They also work to assist in moisturizing your skin, leaving it soft and smooth as well as refreshed and clean. And the best part? These body washes are paraben and sulfate free!

There are four collections to this new line: “Spa Day,” “In Bloom,” Fruit Fanatic,” and “Cupcake Couture.” These collections provide a wide variety of scents such as Green Tea & Sage, Beach Blossom, Wild Red Cherry, and Scrumptious Vanilla Sugar, along with 12 other lovely aromas. These fragrances are geared towards being fresh and playful, and some are even therapeutic. They retail for $9.99 (12 fl. oz.) and are available at Ulta Beauty, Bed Bath & Beyond, and a couple of other regional outlets. You can also purchase them from Vitabath’s own online store at http://myvitabath.com/

I have never used a body wash that actually left a lingering scent on my skin for more than an hour or two, and I loved it! The body wash leaves your skin feeling baby soft. The most impressive factor about this body wash is the lathering effect. With just a very small amount of product, it lathers an entire loofa. You can also use this product as a bubble bath  (which I have), which produces an insane amount of bubbles with just a small amount of product. And check out my video review below:

All in all, I would give Vitabath  five stars. The product reeled me in and I am totally hooked! It is worth every penny in my opinion, and I can see it lasting for quite some time since you don’t have to use tons of product to get a nice, rich lather in the shower.

GIVEAWAY: We’re giving away THREE 12-oz bottlest to 3 lucky fans.  To enter, leave us a comment below telling us what body wash you currently use. BONUS points by inviting your friends to give us a LIKE on Facebook by clicking ….> HERE!

-   Dawn Santamarina

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The winner of the (Review, Photos, Giveaway) The Candle Gift Guide for Holiday 2011: Thompson Ferrier, Balenciaga Paris, Laura Mercier is…. Bonnie.  Congratulations Bonnie, we already contacted you to let you know that you won.

The winner of the (Review, Giveaway) Beauty Products That Smell Like Comfort Foods Gift Guide 2011 is …. Peggy.  Congratulations Peggy, we just contacted you.

The winner of the (Review, Swatches, Giveaway) MAC Holiday 2011 Glitter and Ice Holiday Colour Collection: Mineralize Eyeshadow and Dazzleglass is … Liz. Congratulations Liz, we just contacted you.

The winner of (Review, Giveaway) December 2011 Holiday Gift Guide Giveaways: FRAGRANCE is …Deborah.  Congratulations Deborah, we just contacted you.

The winner of  (Review, Photos, Giveaway) Carmex Healing Lotion and Cream Collection is … Daniele.  Congratulations Daniele, we just contacted you.

The winner of  (Review, Photos, Giveaway) A Very Lush Cosmetics Holiday 2011: Gift Guide is … Dar. Congratulations Dar, we just contacted you.

The winner of the Free Sample Giveaway: Review, Video, Exclusive Photos: Michelle Phan For Lancome “Glamour Eyes” – Exclusively At Sephora is… Kristi Odums. Congratulations Kristi, we just contacted.

Congratulations ladies!  We’ve already contacted you to let you know that you won.

ANOTHER FABULOUS GIVEAWAY:  If you did not win, don’t worry.  We have an exclusive giveaway for your from Laura Geller… just click …..>  HERE!

ANOTHER FABULOUS GIVEAWAY: We recently did a round-up of the best makeup products of the year and we are giving away a bunch of them …. just click ….> HERE!

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gud Vanilla Flame

Spring was in the air at last night’s launch of gud ™ from Burt’s Bees. The aroma alone was delightful and all I saw were beautiful bouquets of flowers that are also reminiscent of both the Dior and Lancôme Spring 2012 palettes.

gud Orange Petalooza

gud Pearnormal Activity

From the imagination of Burt’s Bees comes line called gud.  This line up is a collection of fragrances that meet guilt-free standards.  The formulas contain No Parabens, No Phthalates, No Petrochemicals and No testing on animals- ever! Four collections are part of the launch: Vanilla Flame ™, Orange Petalooza ™, Floral Cherrynova ™ and *Pearanormal Activity ™.

spiritual intuitive, Sasha Graham

On hand was the spiritual intuitive Sasha Graham who was featured in the Pearanormal Activity ™ part of the room and read the attendees Tarot Cards.

White DIY Topping on Oliver Cheng were part of the Vanilla Flame and custom made tie die Tees with clever taglines such as” gud happen, not bad” were also available to all who attended.

I did spend some time with the Brand Manager, Garret Putman, and we discussed the QR codes on some of the items. This was a first for Burt’s Bees to incorporate the QR code onto the outer packaging. Once scanned, a coupon, wallpaper and info on the products popped up on my smart phone. Though this line is a division of the Burts Bees company, they have a more edgy and colorful look to them. The scents are more sophisticated  appear and really invigorated my senses. They are intended to be sniffed every five minutes I assure you!

gud Cherry Nova

All four scents come in a line up consisting of a Natural Nourishing Shampoo ($ 6.99), Natural Softening Conditioner ($ 6.99), Natural Body Butter ($ 11.99), Natural Body Lotion ($ 6.99), Natural Body Mist ($ 5.99), Natural Foaming Hand Wash ($ 4.99) and Natural Hand Cream ( $ 7.99). * Please note that the Pearanormal Activity ™  lineup is sold EXCLUSIVELY at  Target until November 2012. But the other products are available at select food, drug and mass retailers and on www.gudproducts.com.

Smells delicious and is affordable, too? “Gud” really does happen!  So tell us, are these products “gud” enough for you to try?  Leave a comment below and we might giveaway some free samples.

- Nicole Gordon Levine

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BeautyStat:  What is eczema?

Dr. Adam Geyer:  Eczema is a general term that describes inflamed skin, commonly used as a synonym for dermatitis.  There are, however, many causes and forms of eczema. They are all linked by the symptoms that are observed ie skin that is itchy, dry, cracked, and inflamed.

The most common forms of eczema are:

-   atopic eczema – a form that commonly start in childhood, has a genetic component, and is more frequently seen in individuals with asthma and hay fever.

-   contact eczema (contact dermatitis)- this comes in 2 forms:

1) irritant eczema  (resulting from exposure to products and environmental conditions that break down the skin barrier and cause irritation)

2) allergic eczema (resulting from contact with a substance that causes a true skin allergy in susceptible individuals – i.e. poison ivy, latex)

-   xerotic eczema – a form related to dryness of the skin, worse in winter and in sites prone to dryness, such as the lower legs, forearms/hands, and the torso.  This form is more common as we age.

BeautyStat:  What is the single most important thing I can do to make eczema better?

Dr. Adam Geyer:  The key to treating eczema, regardless of the type is to work to restore the skin barrier.  Moisturizing helps not only to hydrate the skin and prevent water loss, but also to re-establish the skin’s defense system to prevent irritants and allergens from entering the skin to create further itching and inflammation. It cannot be stated strongly enough that the most important step in treating eczema is to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!

BeautyStat:  How do I decide what type of product to use?

Dr. Adam Geyer:  Moisturizer selection should be adjusted according to environmental conditions and the severity of eczema.  In general, the thicker the product the better.  Lotions tend to have a higher water and may not be as emollient. Creams tend to have more of an occlusive effect – that means that not only do they add moisture to the skin, but they prevent water from evaporating and they lock-in moisture.

BeautyStat:  When is the best time to apply these products?

Dr. Adam Geyer:  Moisturizers are most effective when they are applied after a shower or bath- make sure to pat the skin dry, don’t rub it vigorously.  Leave a little bit of water on the skin and apply the product liberally, from the neck down.  A separate facial moisturizer should also be applied as the thicker products designed for the body can often clog facial pores.

BeautyStat:  What are some eczema treatment tips?

Dr. Adam Geyer: Take shorter, more temperate showers and avoid standing in the direct stream of hot water for an extended period of time as it can significantly dry your skin… even though it can initially feel good!

Get a humidifier for the bedroom at night – increasing the ambient humidity, especially during winter, can help prevent over-drying of the skin.

Pamper yourself !  It is not just folklore that stress makes eczema worse.  Many studies have confirmed the negative impact that stress can have on the skin. If someone is prone to eczema, stress can have a major impact.  Conversely, stress reduction measures have been shown to positively impact the severity of eczema.

Avoid fragrance when your skin is inflamed.  Not only could the fragrance be the potential culprit (if allergic) but you are more likely to develop future allergies to that fragrance if applied repeatedely to inflamed and cracked skin.

Finally, in terms of cleanser, make sure to use a mild, gentle cleanser and avoid over-washing.  Detergents and soaps can strip the skin of its natural oils. This wears down the skin barrier and can make eczema worse.  I am not saying don’t use a cleanser in areas that need it (groin and armpits) but make sure to minimize the amount applied, the duration of washing, and choose a hydrating, mild cleanser.

BeautyStat:  What are some product recommendations?

Dr. Adam Geyer:  Kiehl’s Creme de Corps is a favorite of mine for the body.

CeraVe Cream and cleanser are both ceramide rich products that are helpful in restoring the skin barrier and food for all skin types.

BeautyStat:  When do I know if I need to see a dermatologist?

If you have tried all of the above measures and you have skin that is persistently red, itchy, dry, or inflamed, it is a good idea to make an appointment to see a dermatologist.  In addition to reviewing your products to make sure you are using a regimen appropriate for your skin, they can decide whether you need a prescription medication (like a topical steroid), and can review your basic skin care habits to make sure that you are doing everything you can to improve your skin barrier function and let your skin heal.  Unfortunately, there is no true “cure” for eczema so it is important to realize that a good approach to skin care, more than any individual prescription or topical product, is the key to keeping your skin healthy and eczema free.

- BeautyStat editorial staff 

Dr. Adam Geyer is a board certified dermatologist specializing in medical and cosmetic dermatology. He has served as an advisor to numerous skincare companies, including Hydroderm, EmerginC, and Kiehl’s. See more info on Dr. Geyer here: AdamGeyerMD.com

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David Kirsch and Heidi Klum

Celebrity fitness coach and nutritionist David Kirsch suggests the following tips for a beautiful body, both in and out, during the holidays:

Don’t let yourself fall prey to the “It’s only once a year” mantra–instead, resort to smarter eating. On the day of the big meal:

• Make sure you eat a good, protein-rich breakfast to coat your stomach and keep you from overeating.
• An hour before dinner, take the edge off by enjoying a small protein snack like a handful of almonds or a protein shake.
• Pledge to keep your cheer clear: If you have to drink, make it wine or vodka soda—not anything pink or frilly.

Following the celebration:

• Banish the bloat by returning to your five-small-meals-a-day plan.
• Make sure you hydrate by drinking plenty of water to get rid of the fatty toxins.
• Potassium-rich foods like sweet potatoes and asparagus help to fight water retention, so stock up on these healthy holiday veggies.
• Make sure you avoid starchy carbs, which can cause your stomach to bloat.

Whenever you have a misstep:

• If you ate a little too much or exercised a little less than you’d like to – take small steps to get back on your path to wellness.
• Eat a healthy breakfast to start your day off right or do a mini-workout with cardio in the morning and cardio-sculpting in the afternoon.
• Small steps will get you back on track from the holidays in no time.

I started using it after coming back from gym as that’s when my feet sweat a lot. Just 4-5 spritz were enough to cover my feet. It has a slight cooling sensation upon application. Then I massaged it into my feet. Its texture is very light and easily penetrates. I even felt that it really hydrates my feet too. Plus I loved the invigorating fragrance.

After application, I noticed that not only did the product control odor immediately but it lasted the entire day, without the need to re-apply.

I’ve never been a user of foot products but I’m totally hooked on this one.  This one will be a staple in both my gym and beach bag.

This product retails for $10.00.

So tell us, what products are you using to care for your tootsies?  Leave a comment below.

- Upasana Sahu

And now you must check out our round-up of products to keep your feet smooth and callous-free.  See link HERE.

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“Pregnancy and birth both cause huge changes in one’s hormone levels,” says Dr. David Bank, Director of the Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic, and Laser Surgery.  “It’s important to understand this and be armed with all of the information you may need as you go down this road.”

Dr. Bank recommends the following tips for pregnancy skin care. During Pregnancy:

ACNE – Breakouts are one of the most common skin side effects in pregnant women. As certain ingredients like retinoids, salicylic acid and beta hydroxy acids are not recommended for pregnant women, opt for products with glycolic acid, alpha hydroxy acids, or prescription Finacea to keep pimples at bay. Also speak to your dermatologist about that cortisone shot. The amount of cortisone is small enough and localized that it won’t affect the baby. On the flip side, many women who suffer from acne often get relief as their acne fades during pregnancy.

HYPERPIGMENTATION – Or otherwise known as Melasma is the stimulation of pigment-producing cells by hormones to produce more melanin when the skin is exposed to sun. One of the easiest ways to reduce the signs of melasma is to use a great broad-spectrum sunscreen. A mineral based sunscreen such as the Aveeno MineralBlock or the LaRoche-Posay Mineral only sunscreen is recommended.

STRETCH MARKS – A condition that affects about 90% of women, stretch marks are caused by changes in the supportive tissue that lies beneath the skin. While there’s little proof that any creams, salves or oils can help prevent stretch marks, some women have seen some help with cocoa butter. Gaining no more than the recommended amount of weight (25-35 pounds) may reduce your chances of getting stretch marks.

DRY/ITCHY SKIN – Dry skin as a result of increased hormones is a common skin ailment for pregnant mothers.  Moisturize at least twice daily to keep skin hydrated and switch to a non-soap or non-scented cleansers as these can increase dryness.

POLYMORPHIC ERUPTION OF PREGNANCY (PEP/PUPPP) – One of the most common rashes in pregnancy occurring in one of every 120 pregnancies. It is an itchy rash that starts on the trunk, arms, and legs usually appearing around 36 weeks. It can be treated with topical corticosteroids.

ECZEMA FLARES OF PREGNANCY – Women with a history of eczema often flare during pregnancy. Like PEP it can be treated with topical corticosteroids.

Post-Pregnancy: Hair loss, loose skin, stretch marks, itchy dry skin and dark spots are all side effects of pregnancy.

ACNE – Oral antibiotics such as erythromycin and Zithromax kill acne-promoting bacteria. The good news is that new mothers can take them even if they’re nursing.

HYPERPIGMENTATION – Try Diode or Fraxel lasers to treat dark spots. These lasers use a gentle burst of light that selectively treats the problem areas without damaging surrounding tissue.

STRETCH MARKS – The good news is stretch marks tend to fade six to twelve months after childbirth. However, if waiting is not an option a topical product containing retinol, vitamin A or hydroquinone is recommended to diminish the marks, in addition to in-office treatments like V-beam and Fraxel lasers.

SPIDER ANGIOMAS – During pregnancy, increased pressure in the veins causes blood vessels to enlarge. These enlarged blood vessels are called Spider Angiomas, which can be treated with an IPL or V-beam.

HAIR LOSS - A significant change in life such as a pregnancy can shock the system throwing off hormones and your hair’s follicle cycle.  When your cycle is thrown off during pregnancy your follicles sleep longer and do not produce new hair. Taking Appearex tablets (biotin, a Vitamin B) daily after delivery will provide your hair (and nails!) nutrients to accelerate and strengthen growth.

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It really takes an interior designer to make your home look and smell palatial. Interior Designer Kat Burki’s latest beauty introductions include Tete a Tete Body Gelees, Soy Wax Candles that have some serious burn time, and Collection Candles that look and feel luxurious, Collection Body Cremes boxed in double walled jars with gold foil writing, Collection Triple Milled Soaps, Mini creme fragrances and Cosmos Candles specifically tailored to your Horoscope.

I believe that every purchase for your body and home needs to look and feel like a million dollars. Boy am I glad that Kat Burki agrees! Her packaging is fit for royalty (Kate Middleton, are you reading this?) and there’s nothing cheap or synthetic about her product ingredients.

Following a lot of research, Kat Burki discovered that different Zodiac signs are drawn towards different scents, quite naturally. They all fall under the “Air, Water, Fire, Earth” umbrella.

Air Signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) are drawn towards light, clean and simple fragrances;

Water Signs (Scorpio, Cancer, Pisces) like fresh and invigorating fragrances;

Fire Signs (Leo, Sagittarius, Aries) like bold and vibrant fragrances;

Earth Signs (Capricorn, Taurus and Virgo) like fruity and floral scents.

The Cosmos Candle collections have 12 different blends, one for each horoscope. They are 100% renewable soy wax candles formulated specifically for each sign of the Zodiac and have 40 hours of burn time. $24 each.

The tins are beautifully presented and make for a good gift, especially for someone who loves their horoscope. The candles smell fresh and the blends are not overpowering.

40 hours of burn time for a soy wax candle is a good deal to me!

The Collection Candles are beautifully packaged: this pink box contains one of the best smelling candles I have encountered: sugar magnolia. It’s sweet but not powdery, and great for a winter evening.

Each Collection Candle makes for a perfect gift – a host or hostess gift, perhaps? $38 each for 60 hour burn time. Sugar Magnolia contains notes of plum berry, pomegranate with a hint of jasmine.

Other scents in the Collection Candles, Soaps and Body Cremes include the very unusual and noteworthy Eau de Poire et Santal, which is a woody fragrances of sandalwood with a hint of sweetness. This is a must try. Shown above is the travel size luxurious Signature Creme. The full size retails for $52.

Kat Burki’s products are sold all over the country in boutiques and high-end stores.

What do you feel about home fragrances, their aesthetics and the pricing? Do you own a lot of candles? Drop us a comment below.

- Charu Suri

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Burt’s Bees has come a long way since their natural beeswax lip balm hit the scene many years ago. They are a company that strives to work with nature as much as possible and nearly half of their products are 100% natural. They label each product with a “natural bar” so you can feel rest assured that they are using the highest level of natural ingredients in their products. Of course, their packaging is recyclable too. Their commitment to the us, animals and the earth is apparent and their products reflect that commitment.

I sampled their Honey & Shea Conditioning Body Bar and Body Butter. Not only do their products smell light and almost edible, they apply easily to the skin. Their Conditioning Body Bar left my skin feeling more supple and hydrated. The French milled bar soap is intended to leave oil and dirt behind and that’s what it did. The honey is a natural humectants that moisturizes the skin while the shea butter nourishes the skin. Directions say to rinse well and follow up with your favorite Burt’s Bees Body Butter so that was my next step. I dipped into the 6.5oz tub and learned quickly that a little body butter goes a long way. I was able to use what I initially thought would only be for my upper torso on my entire body. I like when products are practical! I smelled a hint of coconut and the texture reminded me of a whipped butter. The Body Butter contains antioxidant rich sweet almond oil among other key ingredients’ such as sunflower seed oil, jojoba and cocoa seed butter.

Honey & Shea Conditioning Bar retails for $ 5.00 and the Honey & Shea Body Butter retails for $ 13.00. For a steal, you can have a great body care routine and peace of mind.

Share your Burt’s Bees story with us. Are you a fan of the brand? Why or why not?

- Nicole Gordon Levine