Four Favorites: Multi-Purpose Balm

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More concentrated than most creams or lotions, these versatile salves can tackle two or more problems at once. Great to keep on your nightstand or in your handbag/gymbag these multi-purpose balms will cure – honestly – whatever ails you… soothe cracked heels, chapped knuckles, sunburn, windburn, minor scrapes, post-peel irritation, skin irritation, chafing, chapped nose, scratches, dry elbows, rough cuticles, between toes, post-wax skin, post-shave skin, dry patches, earlobes, blisters, ring fingers, tattoos, hairline prior to coloring, stretch marks. extra dewiness, tame flyaways, rebellious eyebrows, makeup mistakes and split ends. Whew!

Here are my current four favorites:

Rodial Glam Balm MULTI: A brilliant multi-use anti-aging balm that feels luxurious and solves all manner of beauty woes from flaking skin to dry knees. This cult product has been ordained “The Swiss Army Knife of Beauty Products,” for it’s wide variety of uses. The new formula “MULTI” has added the anti-aging benefits of 3D Hyaluronic Filling Spheres to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Favorite use: In-flight moisturizing mask. FULL REVIEW OF RODIAL GLAM BALM: HERE

Egyptian Magic: Living up to it’s namesake, this olive oil and honey-based balm works magic on elbows, knees and everything in between. Formulated with all-natural ingredients this magical balm has been used for centuries to care for and nourish the skin. Favorite use: a moisturizer to help extend your summer tan. FULL REVIEW OF EGYPTIAN MAGIC: HERE

Dr. Lipp Original Nipple Balm for Lips: (Yes, you read that right…) Recommended by midwives, this balm was originally designed to relieve the dry, painful nipples associated with breastfeeding. Makeup artists discovered many other uses: hydrating skin and lips on the fly/highlighting cheek bones/eye gloss – and it soon became an industry secret. Formulated with 100% medical-grade lanolin, this balm reduces skin roughness by up to 40% in an hour. It also acts as a barrier to prevent any moisture from escaping or bacteria from entering. Favorite use: Eye cream.

The Balm – By Nieves:  This concentrated balm is made with all-natural ingredients that moisturize, heal and soothe the skin; softening coconut oil, antioxidant-rich sesame oil, calming virginia cedar, healing lavender and balancing ylang ylang. Orange extract releases an uplifting and zesty aroma and provides a healthy glow to the skin and hair. The buttery texture melts effortlessly into the skin restoring softness and elasticity immediately. Great for both man and woman, The Balm is safe to use anywhere on the body. Favorite use: Moisturize dry ends and fix fly-aways.

GLOW-T AWARDS: Xen-Tan Absolute Gold

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BEST OF THE BEST: Xen-Tan Absolute Gold 

Xen-Tan Absolute Gold is my Summer 2012 winner for best self-tanning product. In just one application this self-tanner produces a rich, deep, olive-based tan that lasts.

The luxurious formula contains a color guard made of 24K gold leaf. Usually, I am not a fan of color guards. I believe them to be unnecessary and the reason behind messy application. However, the gold sheen in this product is very flattering and subtle. It dries nicely and does not rub-off on clothing or bed linens.

Enriched with Shea Butter, Absolute Gold is incredibly moisturizing – which is why, I believe, it lasts so long. The rich lotion feels very pampering on the skin and does not stick to stubborn dry patches. It absorbs into the skin very quickly, which cuts out drying time, but forces application to be speedy. The formula contains Xen-Tan’s innovative “Scent Secure” – a ground-breaking technology that blocks out self-tan (DHA) odor. And has a sweet vanilla scent, that reminds me of yummy marzipan.

For an easy, single-application, luxurious-feeling, natural-looking dark tan – you need to try Xen-Tan Absolute Gold.

Read my post on: Application Tips & Tricks

Summer Must-Have: Murad Perfecting Serum

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Dry-skinned girls, listen up! Banish stubborn dry patches, smooth fine lines and wrinkles and prime face for flawless makeup application with Murad Perfecting Serum.

This serum is the ultimate dry-skin relief. It is designed to be worn over a moisturizer to lock in hydration and revive natural moisture levels. The gel-consistency glides over the skin swimmingly and leaves skin silky-smooth. Enriched with Squalane, an ingredient derived from olives, the Perfecting Serum intensely hydrates and wraps the skin in ultra rich moisture.  Avocado and Evening Primrose Oils seal-in the hydration and Ceramides prevent flaking and itchiness while maximizing suppleness.

This serum can be used alone or under makeup to create the perfect canvas for makeup application. It can also be used all-over the face or just where needed. It erases those stubborn dry patches that foundation loves to cling-to and creates a flawless, long-wearing finish. A summer must-have.

Skin Savior: Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream

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Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream is a versatile skin conditioning balm used for dry patches, sore skin and much much more.

The formula is almost unchanged since it first appeared in the 1930s. Rumor has it, Eight Hour Cream was originally used as an emollient for Miss Arden’s racehorses’ hooves.

This deep moisturizing balm can be used on the body, face and lips. Hailed backstage, top makeup artists slick it on models lips for instant hydration, apply to the lids for a dewy sheen and use as a face mask for ultimate illumination.

The thick apricot-colored salve is similar to petroleum jelly in texture but slightly more thick and sticky. The only downfall to this product is the smell. A strong medicinal aroma that lasts even after application. The smell is not appealing but Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream is worth purchasing for it’s effectiveness.

Known for it’s incredible moisturizing properties, Eight Hour Cream has been labeled as a skin-saver, after-sun soother, shine factor, eye opener, treat for feet and the holy grail product for maintaining glowing, nourished skin.