AVEDA HAND RELIEF
photo credit: www.aveda.com
I don’t need the weather channel to tell me when the wintry weather is on its way. Unfortunately, my hands show tell tale signs, well before the first snow. I am no stranger to the battle of keeping my hands well moisturized. As a mother with young children, I am constantly washing my hands, helping my kids wash theirs, using anti-bacterial gel, and seem to face a sink full of dishes every time I turn around. All this washing is harsh enough, throw in dry, wintry weather, and my hands literally, give up. They get so dry and chapped, I am willing to try anything to keep them moisturized.
Aveda’s Hand Relief is my go to hand moisturizer. The rich, creamy, and divinely smelling lotion simply works wonders. Rough chapped hands are immediately soothed, and smoothed. This lotion walks the fine line between too heavy (you can’t do anything for 20 min) and too light (you put it on, it sinks in, and 2 min later, you need more). In the words of Goldilocks, the weight of this cream is “just right”. The scent however, is truly out of this world. The combination of hydrating plant emollients, humectants, and exfoliating fruit acids creates a one of a kind intoxicating scent that I have only found with Aveda.
Shopping at Aveda is fun and rewarding whether you visit an actual store, or shop online. In store, the Aveda specialists are knowledgable, and helpful without being pushy. I love that they offer a sample of their Aveda Comforting Tea (delicious, and habit forming!) to sip while you shop. The last time I visited, to purchase more Hand Relief (some for myself, lots for well deserving teachers and friends) they offered me a mini hand treatment which included a moisture application and massage. It was a fabulous treat in the midst of a hectic day. If you must shop online, you will be treated to free shipping and samples. The website is user friendly and contains lots of interesting information about the company.
FINAL VERDICT: RUN DON’T WALK (RDW): My only complaint about this lotion is the size of the container, it is way too small. I would buy this lotion by the gallon if they sold it that way.
4.2 oz for $19, available at Aveda stores and www.aveda.com
This product was purchased
PHOTO CREDIT: amazon.com
NICOLE BY OPI “DO GOOD… FEEL GOOD” – A good pink polish is the holy grail for busy women; it forgives a multitude of mani sins and can make even the shortest nails look beautiful and finished. I’ve tried them all with results ranging from schlocky chalky to streak-free and sublime, so I’m happy to report that Nicole by OPI’s “Do Good… Feel Good” is destined to become a classic alongside OPI’s “Bubble Bath” and Essie’s “Mademoiselle.” I was pleased when I slicked on this universally flattering pale pink with the ideal level of opacity, and even happier to find that it held up to a week of baby wrangling, typing and dish washing.
As if perfect nails weren’t enough, you can feel great about buying and wearing Nicole by OPI. The social-minded company contributes to great causes including the environment and the protection of women and children, and their products reflect the same gentle outlook, saying no to animal testing and kicking DBP, Toluene, and Formaldehyde to the curb. I think it’s sweet that Nicole colors all have inspirational names that are fun to rattle off when friends ask what I’m wearing.
FINAL VERDICT: GGI (Gotta Get It) – Trendy purples and grays may come and go, but pale pinks are timeless and easy to wear. Nicole by OPI has a great formula and brush for easy and long-lasting nail color, and “Do Good… Feel Good” is the perfect wear with anything shade.
Photo Credit – www.avon.com
AVON SKIN SO SOFT REPLENISHING HAND CREAM - Soft skin. Now there’s a concept. Seems simple enough, yet somehow, moisturized, silky, supple hands can be tough to achieve. Avon’s Skin So Soft Replenishing Hand Cream can help you attain this goal. The light, easily absorbed lotion is perfect for the woman who finds herself constantly washing her hands. These days, with flu season and H1N1 breathing down our necks, who isn’t washing their hands every other minute? Avon’s Skin So Soft lotion has a very pleasant, yet somewhat faint smell. This is not the lotion for greasing up your hands overnight or for curing already extremely dry hands. This little tube belongs next to your computer, in your changing bag/gym bag, or even in your car. It’s light weight allows you to quickly moisturize and get back to what you were doing without leaving you with greasy, sticky hands. I am still a newbie when it comes to Avon products, this is the second one I have ever tried. But, with a winning thumbs up record of 2 for 2, I think I will be trying some more in the near future.
Final Verdict: BOB (Beauty on a Budget) At $3 for 3.4 oz, you cannot beat this budget beauty. Buy a few, you’ll thank yourself later. Available at www.avon.com
