lotion

Pleasure Me Purse Kit

admin — Wed, 12 May 2010 08:00:00 +0000

To get it in the open and out of the way: the item’s name, Pleasure Me Purse, is a command to someone else. While the purse is awesome, it could be a downer for someone who expected something along the lines of a Pleasure Myself Purse.

Good Vibrations' Pleasure Me Purse Kit comes with a waterproof Magic Touch Bullet Mini Vibrator, a deliciously scented Mini Heart-Shaped Rub Me Massage Bar, .5 ounces of crème brûlée flavored Devour Me Lickable Body Oil, and a sample of Please Cream Lubricant. While the “purse” itself seems hardly big enough for lipstick and an o.b. tampon, the contents are so varied, and in some cases so multipurpose, one would be hard-pressed to try them all out in one evening (or one morning, or one really exciting afternoon).

In small quantities, the crème brûlée body oil can be great, and opening the miniature bottle can fill a room with its potent scent, which I might have first guessed to be waffles and maple syrup. When dabbed strategically and appropriately, the oil turns ordinary old oral into a tasty treat. As my partner jokingly put it, “I really like that stuff. It made you suck my dick like a delicious lollipop.”

I have mentioned in a previous review that I ask a little more of my vibrators than a gentle shake–which is, of course, what one gets from the small toy included in this kit. It gets tired after five minutes of use, and the low intensity vibrations alone are what bring me to warn all the single ladies: you may be better pleasured by a different bag. That said, if you’re not doing everything yourself, the little silver buzzing bobble can be a lot of fun in more places than one (hey-oh!).

The .17 oz sample of the cream lubricant is really more than enough for a single use. The packaging boasts that it is “water-based, glycerin-free, long-lasting, [and] moisturizing,” which is probably all true, but it was difficult to tell when adding it to what I already had going on naturally. However, in a very weak post-coital study of the cream’s longevity, I did get bored rubbing it between my fingers for what seemed like eternity. This I take as a good sign.

The mint chocolate scented massage bar was definitely my favorite and seemed to go over well with my partner. The heart-shaped bar melts easily by touch and smells good enough to eat (in fact, we were sort of hoping we could eat it). Besides smelling awesome, giving and receiving a massage can be a really nice addition to the usual sexual repertoire, and fosters a sense of intimacy beyond coitus itself.

Overall, if you’re already accustomed to utilizing lotions and vibrators with a partner, then this little purse packs a lot of variety and excitement. If you’re new to sexual accoutrement, it’s a compact way to see what you’re into. Definitely make sure your partner is willing to try it out, and allow yourself the options of both liking something that you may have previously thought weird or disliking it even if it’s supposed to be sexy.

Written by: Tatiana Ryckman, May 12th 2010

Natural Shielding Lotion

admin — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0000

By 21st Century Formulations

Finding hand lotion that works is probably not high on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. It actually seems frivolous in light of the images of suffering and destruction we’ve recently seen from Haiti and Chile. While I recognize that earthquakes aren’t caused by global warming, lately I find myself balancing my own petty concerns against scientists’ gloomy predictions of climate refugees becoming a real problem if this issue isn’t addressed. In the meantime, I reassure myself with the thought that I still have to function in my day-to-day world; if finding a hand lotion that actually does what it claims to do is a more immediate and manageable goal, I will not castigate myself for that quest.

Living in the Chicago area, we’ve experienced particularly brutal winters the last few years and dry hands seems to be another symptom of this endless winter we’ve had this year, along with snow days and subfreezing temperatures. So when I came across Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion, I was curious to see if it could live up to its claims. I tend to be skeptical about such claims, but I was curious to try this lotion.

According to the brochure, the Shielding Lotion not only keeps your skin moisturized, but cures the problem of dry skin because its unique formula restores moisture while also enabling your skin to replenish its own moisture. Although the pamphlet included a number of testimonials from happy customers who saw immediate results from using the product on various body parts, I decided to test it primarily as a hand lotion. At $13.00 for a 4 oz. bottle, would I see an improvement over other less expensive hand lotions?

Comparatively, the lotion has a light and non-greasy quality—just a few squirts are all one needs for an application. The Shielding Lotion feels good on your skin and leaves it temporarily moisturized, but as with other lotions, the moisturized feeling didn’t last very long. I did try the product once on my face, but immediately broke out the following day. I have extremely oily and sensitive skin, so I do not consider that a reflection on the product itself as much as its blending with my own unique skin type. I continue to use the lotion, but would probably not shell out the requisite dough for another bottle.

Written by: Gita Tewari, March 25th 2010

Soap Sampler & Solid Body Lotion

admin — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0000

By Soap Lady Oregon

I discovered Soap Lady Oregon products at—of all places—a chocolate festival in Portland, Oregon. While the products obviously aren't edible, they smelled better—and had healthier ingredients—than many of the food products that my partner and I sampled at the event.

I believe you can vote with your pocketbook, and it was nice to know that the company uses all-natural, vegan and cruelty-free ingredients. Their mission is actually to provide non-toxic products with no preservatives, and they go one step further by listing all of their ingredients on the company's website. This is especially handy if you have any known allergies or have particularly sensitive skin.

In addition, there's the satisfaction of supporting a women-owned small business. Still not enough reasons to try their soap? There's the absolutely soothing experience of using the products themselves.

At just $6, the soap sampler gift box features four travel-sized, yummy-smelling soaps: rose, spice, tea tree, and calendula lavender. Despite their small size, each soap lasted several days in my shower, which is no small feat considering that my partner has a woodworking hobby and I have a workout fetish. The scents were spicy and natural but not overpowering or perfume-y, and they were, for lack of a better word, soft. I can't wait to try some of the sweeter scents, like sweet vanilla and peppermint swirl. A full-size, five ounce bar is $4.50.

At $2.50, the solid body lotion was even more of a steal. Just a tiny bit of this citrus-scented lotion goes a long way, and it will last awhile, even if you work in a job that requires frequent hand washing (or are a compulsive hand washer like me.)

If you're looking for some TLC and inexpensive luxury, this is the place to find it.

Written by: M.L. Madison, March 7th 2010

Replenishing Hand Cream (Rose Flower)

admin — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 10:01:00 +0000

By Circaroma

My paternal grandmother was the offspring of a French immigrant family that emigrated to the United States. She came of age during a time of great extravagance (Roaring Twenties) followed by a sharp decline (Great Depression) and then raised five children—three boys and two girls—by herself in St. Louis, Missouri while my grandfather reported for duty during World War II. In my grandparents' house there were two bathrooms, one pink and the other blue, a color-coded system marked by a form of gender segregation that had a utilitarian function in the large and evenly split household. By the time my sister and I came along, the only two girls in a slew of grandsons (though there would later be two more to join the ranks), we considered this division a privilege.

When I opened the fifty-gram circular container of Circaroma Replenishing Hand Cream, the smell reminded me of my grandmother's powder room. Immaculately kept with fuzzy toilet seat covers, matching towels the color of cotton candy, and decorative wallpaper with tiny bunches of flowers and stripes of gold, this room was a feminine haven. A mirrored tray holding numerous bottles of eau du toilette, Avon makeup, and sample-sized glass containers of various creams and lotions. The combined contents of the tray created a floral olfactory experience similar to this Rose Flower Hand Cream.

Gliding on smoothly, the Replenishing Hand Cream leaves a moist feeling without the lingering slickness of other similar products. Despite the potency of its smell during application, the Rose Flower scent quickly becomes subdued, a quality I find appealing as it doesn't hinder repeated use for fear of excessive potency.

Based in London, Circaroma's award-winning products use natural and organic components as a result of the company's commitment to providing skin care products of a superior quality. The Rose Flower Replenishing Hand Cream is no exception, and includes such ingredients as coconut, sunflower, jojoba, and almond oils; cocoa butter; rose water; geranium; and vitamin E.

I relish the ability of Circaroma's Replenishing Hand Cream to conjure the memory of my grandmother, a woman who struggled through challenging times and still managed to come out smelling rosy.

Written by: Mandy Van Deven, October 25th 2009

Shea Butter Hand Cream & Foot Cream / Ultra Rich Body Cream Rosebud

admin — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 07:37:00 +0000

By L'Occitane

Founded in 1976 in the small Provençal town of Manosque by Olivier Baussan, L'Occitane grew from his individual distillation of rosemary to its essential oil into an international organization offering an array of skin care and beauty products. The company partners with three women's cooperatives in Burkina Faso to obtain fairly-traded shea nut butter. Traditionally used to protect skin from dry winds and sand, women also apply it to their newborns to shelter delicate infant skin from the climate.

The best-selling Shea Butter Hand Cream combines twenty percent shea butter, honey, and sweet almond extract, scented with jasmine and ylang-ylang. This smooth balm soothes with apparent medicinal and cosmetic effects: hands that were once talons become hands again. Skin also benefits from vitamin E—excellent for gardeners, those in dry areas, or women who are exposed to toxic urban air. The Shea Butter Foot Cream relieves tired and sore feet through combining shea butter with antiseptic lavender essential oil to cleanse. Arnica, an anti-inflammatory, diminishes redness and irritation while mint cools. The Hand Cream is twenty percent shea butter; the Foot Cream, fifteen.

has released Ultra Rich Body Cream Rosebud—covering everything between the hands and feet—as a limited edition scent in celebration of the twentieth anniversary of its shea butter cooperative—now over 11,000 women participate. The Moroccan rose they use is light and reminiscent of rosehips, not heavy or too floral. For those who cannot plant a rose garden, it is a pleasure to hold one hundred milliliters of petals in your hand.

Written by: Erika Mikkalo, October 2nd 2009

Pregnancy Body Oil / Nursing Tea / Skin Food / Sea Buckthorn Body Lotion

admin — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 07:51:00 +0000

By Weleda

Mean, lean, and green is not a trend come-lately. Weleda has been producing natural, organic beauty products since 1921. Dr. Rudolf Steiner, a founder of anthroposophy, joined forces with Dr. Ita Wegman to take this transcendentalist world view to a personal practical level. They offer salves and solutions for human afflictions ranging from stretch marks to dental plaque, all derived from some of the two hundred species of plants cultivated in their medical plants garden. All items are certified organic by BDIH standards, and their U.S. affiliate assisted in the formation of the NPA (Natural Products Association) rules.

The Pregnancy Body Oil soothes stretching skin by combining arnica flower and wheat germ oil with an almond oil base. It application is obviously enriching without being at all 'greasy.' In addition to attending to maternal hides, Weleda offers tea for a mother's insides: their Nursing Tea supports healthy lactation. The calming tea is a mix of organic fenugreek, anise, fennel seeds, and other herbs. I asked my test-mommy if it was working, and she just snarled and demanded a foot massage and some sushi with unagi, NOT uni, plus green tea ice cream for dessert. Perhaps she did not let the calming tea seep long enough.

The non-reproducing are by no means neglected: body lotions for dry skin are made with Wild Rose, Aloe Vera, Mallow, and Sea Buckthorn. The Sea Buckthorn Lotion combines buckthorn and sesame seed oil in a vitamin A and E-rich formula that delivers antioxidants in a solution scented with essential oils from mandarins, oranges, and grapefruits. It applies lightly and lasts all day.

My personal favorite is the Weleda Skin Food. This nourishing moisturizer hydrates the skin by including organic pansy and rosemary extract with the fatty acid and vitamin E abundant sunflower seed oil. I'm currently combating dry facial skin, and the Skin Food out performed the department store it-shall-remain-unnamed-in-its-ostentatiously-scientific-packaging eye goo. Next time, I'm reaching for the bright green tube.

Written by: Erika Mikkalo, September 29th 2009

Pink Grapefruit Body Lotion / Linen Spray / Botanical Facial Moisturizer, Facial Wash / Shea Body Butter Bamboo / Green Tea Facial Scrub

admin — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 06:31:00 +0000

By Dancing Dingo

I am, obviously, pro-choice. And if you are similarly inclined to an abundance of options in personal products as well as personal life, I recommend a visit to Dancing Dingo. They offer unctions and salves for all members of your family, including the four-legged. Dancing Dingo lotions, moisturizers, oils, scrubs, and sprays are paraben, formaldehyde, mineral oil, sulphates, SLS, and phthalate free. Their 'Dog De-funkifier' and other products are approved by Leaping Bunny and PETA. The shea body butter rendered my reptile-scaly dry shin skin mink oil smooth. I opted for the refreshing pink grapefruit, but other scents offered include Coconut Lime Verbena, Carrot Seed, Grapefruit Mint, Rosehip Seed Total CO2 Extract, and Vanilla Planifolia. (Not all products are offered in all scents.)

The Botanical Facial Wash contains aloe vera gel, green tea extract, comfrey, fruit extracts (billberry, bitter orange, and lemon), aspen bark extract, and lavender, and chamomile essential oils. Dancing Dingo's bamboo and green tea facial scrub exfoliates much more smoothly than the apricot-kernel containing products I've used previously. The Botanical Facial Moisturizer uses extracts of gingko biloba, green tea, and gotu kola to protect and firm the skin. Now I can take my freshly defoliated and moisturized self to unwind on grapefruit-refreshed sheets. I don't have a dingo, dancing or otherwise, but if I did, I would not hesitate to spritz my spitz with one of their dog products.

Written by: Erika Mikkalo, September 25th 2009

D:tox System

admin — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 09:01:00 +0000

By Giovanni Organic Body Care

Half a million women in the world die every year from breast cancer. One in eight American women will be diagnosed with some form of breast cancer in her lifetime. Judging from these startling statistics, it’s not difficult to see why corporations that cater to women have begun creating lines of products that support the fight against this disease. Altruism gives you a leg up on the competition.

While Giovanni Organic Body Care’s D:tox System of purifying body care products won’t prevent you from getting breast cancer directly, a portion of the sales of the products involved in this three-step system is donated by the company to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, an organization that funds cancer prevention research.

The D:tox System has three ingredients: Body Wash/Body Bar, Body Scrub, and Body Lotion. If the trio is used properly, the promised results are to provide “a complete purification regimen for mind, body, and soul—and completely touch-worthy skin every day.” With such lofty ambitions, I’m sure you’re wondering what exactly goes into the D:tox System.

The Body Wash/Body Bar uses charcoal and volcanic ash to clean oils and dirt from pores while replenishing your skin’s nutrition with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from purifying acai and goji berry extracts. The Body Scrub is made of similar ingredients, and does what most scrubs do: it exfoliates to polish away surface grime and bacteria. The Body Lotion is the final part of this equation. Once the skin is fully clean, it needs a little moisture to maintain a smooth softness and healthy glow.

I did a dietary detox once a few years ago. A woman at my local health food co-op explained the process to me: replace food with a mixture of juices for five days. Instead of feeling physically renewed, I ended up with a terrible migraine brought on by caffeine withdrawal, but I stuck it out before reverting back to my old eating habits. I’m not sure the D:tox System resulted in the purification of my mind or soul, but it did the trick for my body. It also allowed me to continue my copious coffee consumption—and, really, that's the most important part.

Written by: Mandy Van Deven, September 14th 2009

Baby Care Gift Set

admin — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 08:52:00 +0000

By African American Baby Care

Everyone likes good shampoo. Even though I am neither a baby nor an African American, I am delighted to use pure organic hair cleansers with a fragrant blend of rose petal, rosemary, and sage. African American Baby Care offers a full range of infant care products made from pure organics, natural botanicals, and rare herbs. Initial use indicated that the items are indeed as gentle as the labels attest, and the baby hair dress does a good job of keeping my hypercortisol frizz under control.

However, as a dedicated product tester, I must determine an item's fitness to purpose, and this obviously entailed taking care of an African American baby. With none in the immediate vicinity, I considered my options. Jacqueline is two blocks to the north and one to the east, but she and her six-month-old most likely just want to be left alone. Then there's the possibility of taking it to the streets of Chicago. I could suit up in an apron, swim mask, and cover my newly-dressed hair with a lavender bandana left over from a job costume—I have been warned that all babies are prone to leakage from any orifice without warning—and seek an African American infant.

“Excuse me, ma'am,” I'd ask, resplendent in chartreuse-lensed UVA safe goggles, wearing a terrycloth ladybug mitt, and brandishing multiple babycare bottles, “Could I wash your baby with these fine products? It's okay: I'm a feminist.” Guessing what the appropriate response would be, I went online and located the service Rent-a-Negro, but they're headquartered in Portland, Oregon, and appear to only have adults available. After some networking with Manicella, I was graciously provided access to an African American infant to wash, and showed up with the products. However, there were issues.

Nya is a delightful one-year-old child, albeit of occasionally grave demeanor. She is also of African American, European American, and Chinese ancestry. This presented a quandary. Was I to wash only one-third of the baby? And if so, which third? I was reminded of Groucho Marx's response when he was informed that he would not be allowed to go in the swimming pool at a private club because it did not admit Jews. "Well, my son is half Jewish,” Marx replied. “Can he go in up to his waist?"

Gamely, I set about my task, attempting to keep Nya at ease with an off-key rendition of "Itsy-bitsy Spider." Given her varied ethnicity, I suspected that the little girl has what would be described as "good" hair, and the use of that term makes me sad. The recent recreation of the Drs. Kenneth and Mamie Clark's doll studies indicates how far we have to go. And I hope that I can use 'we' as meaning humans. Sally Kempton said, “It is hard to fight an enemy who has outposts in your head.”

African American Baby Care products went far, sudsing liberally from moderate quantities. They include neither paraben preservatives nor pthalates. The suspicion regarding the carcinogenic or estrogenic effects of these substances has been questioned, but as long as they can be avoided, why put them on your kid? The shampoo rinsed well and the accompanying conditioner went on smoothly. The baby body butter applied evenly, and I believe it will prevent a baby from getting "ashy."

Mom took over at the hair styling stage—just as well, seeing that I don't know a box braid from a twist out—and praised the hair dress. She said she'd get back to me on the milk. Nya said, “Eeeee! Bwah!” as a parting screech of acknowledgment. Funny—the last infant I handled—white, male, blonde, blue-eyed—said almost the exact same thing.

Written by: Erika Mikkalo, September 12th 2009

Rosehip & Hibiscus Facial Lotion / Tea Tree and Vinegar Toner

admin — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 08:27:00 +0000

By Heavenly Skin Care

Rosehips and hibiscus have long been combined in teas. Rosehips provide vitamin C and are also a source of A, D and E. Rosehip tea is said to prevent bladder infections and ease headaches. Hibiscus tea contains phenolic compounds, reportedly a positive in preventing heart disease and promoting arterial health. A 2008 study linked hibiscus tea to decreasing hypertension. In India, hibiscus is used in medicinal Ayurvedic preparations and hair care. This is my first topical experience with the combination, and it is positive.

Truly organic natural lotions are at least half plant-based. To their credit, Heavenly Skin Care prints the percentage of organic components in each product right on the label. Look for natural oils, plant-based waxes, vitamins, enzymes, and antioxidants. Other body lotions include Herbal, Jojoba, Goat Milk, and Soothing. The Goat Milk is particularly well-suited for dry skin. The Soothing lotion is soothingly scented, indeed, and none of the products are overwhelmingly fragrant. A good thing: too much scent in a crowded elevator can be construed air pollution and olfactory assault. Subtlety and moderation are virtues, in perfume, at least. Their Tea Tree and Vinegar Toner is recommended for acne and is ninety-seven percent organic. Tea tree oil or melaleuca oil is from the Melaleuca alternifolia native to New South Wales, Australia, and is reputed to have antiseptic, antifungal and antibacterial properties. In addition to lotions and toners, Heavenly Skin Care produces serums, scrubs, cleansers, astringents, salts and soaks, soaps and lotion applicators. Order today and receive two free samples.

Written by: Erika Mikkalo, September 4th 2009

Rosemary Body Lotion

admin — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 08:23:00 +0000

By Pharmacopia

A Spanish proverb states, "Where rosemary thrives the mistress is master." I've had to give up gardening, but perhaps I should keep a pot of rosemary in the kitchen. Folklore states that it's an aid to memory, with a half-dozen antioxidant compounds. An abortifacient in high doses, it mitigates capillary weakness and rosemary leaf was approved for dyspepsia, high blood pressure, and rheumatism by the German Commission E at doses of four to six grams a day. The scent is also clean and bracing.

The label assures me that this lotion is paraben-free and contains essential oils that improve mental clarity, relieve muscle soreness, and combat fatigue. I'd better get a vat. I'll go through the eight ounces the moment that cold weather hits, rest assured, and the rich herbal scent of the rosemary seems winter-appropriate. It also has peppermint and eucalyptus.

I love instructions on self-care products. The shampoo standard is 'Rinse. Repeat.' True to its name, Pharmacopia details 'Therapeutic Uses,' including when, where, and how to apply the lotion as opposed to the simple: “Rub it on you.” Of the twenty-eight listed ingredients, I can recognize well over ninety percent—an encouraging ratio. Palm oil is among the components, and last year Pharmacopia joined with other companies in lobbying for sustainable palm oil products. The other plant extracts are certified organic. It applies without a greasy feel, and the scent is long lasting. Recommended for soreness after workouts, or general aches and pains.

Written by: Erika Mikkalo, August 29th 2009

SPF 30 Mineral Sheer Moisturizer

admin — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 17:39:00 +0000

By Juice Beauty

Everyone has been telling me to increase my consumption and application of, and general proximity to, antioxidants for quite some time, now. A science enthusiast, but minimally educated in the field, it was worth perusal. Of course, I had always thought of oxygen—clean pure air, number eight on the periodic table, part of water—as good. Apparently not. At the cellular level, it can cause the metabolic processes to get funky (that's a technical scientific term) and cause irregularities that may contribute to cancer and disease. Antioxidants mitigate this decay. So eat your fruits and veggies—particularly those containing vitamins A, C, and E.

Vitamins A and C can be found in cantaloupes, oranges, peaches, watermelon, and tomatoes. Lemon, limes, and grapes are good for C, straight up. Like vitamin C, vitamin E plays a significant role as an antioxidant, thereby protecting body tissue from the damage of oxidation. E is important in the formation of red blood cells and the use of vitamin K. Many women also use it to help minimize the appearance of wrinkles, and mothers use it to help heal minor wounds without scarring, as it is valued for its ability to soothe and heal broken or stressed skin tissue. Blackberries seem to be a three-fer, having all three of these Vs, as do kiwis. Bananas are high potassium and contain vitamins C and E. Apples are an excellent source of soluble fiber and vitamins C and E.

Juice Beauty products contain actual juice—apple, grape, and pomegranate—so you can slurp your antioxidants in a smoothie or slather them on your skin. Apparently human skin will absorb sixty-four percent of a substance placed upon it. Vegetable and mineral substances must metabolize differently, or else this theory of application seems specious. Could you avoid kwashiorkor by massaging yourself with a flank steak? Unlikely. But I once heard stories of a Swiss moisturizer with tiger placenta extract. Ick.

If you'd rather use a fruity, non-pigmented moisturizer, Juice Beauty SPF 30 Mineral Sheer moisturizer applies as a light and refreshing layer in a skin-care regimen. This moisturizer, in addition to their gels, cleansers, creams, serums, and masks, will be available at Target beginning this month.

Written by: Erika Mikkalo, August 19th 2009

Shea Butter Lotion Fruit Slices / Goats Milk Glycerin Soap Orange Sherbet

admin — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 09:00:00 +0000

By Norma’s Bath and Body Products

When you unwrap a package made, wrapped, and tied by another person’s hands, it’s immediately evident. It might be a splatter of color where there wasn’t one intended, or a crooked label, a smudge. But whatever the indication, it has always given me a moment’s pause and endeared me in a special way to whatever it is I’m holding. So it was with Norma’s Bath and Body Products—a sense of the person who’d put something of herself into making the thing I was about to enjoy. You just don’t get that fuzzy feeling in the health and beauty section of your local chain drug store!

The Orange Sherbet Goats Milk Glycerin Soap was instantly appealing with its peachy orange color and smooth texture. I resisted my generations-old instinct when confronted with nice bath products, to set it unmarked and perfect in a bowl with some potpourri or decorative stones. I reminded myself I had a job to do and not to worry—I could order more! Unwrapped and sitting out on my desk, waiting to get lathered up for the first time, this little bar got my attention with a subtly persistent fruity scent, fresh and light and not at all overpowering or irritating to my allergen-sensitive nose.

The package promised a “creamy and high lathering goats milk glycerin soap” that would both soften and moisturize. I, no stranger to the wares of a farmer’s market or craft fair soap stand, was skeptical. The glycerin soaps I’ve tried have been low to nonexistent on suds and thin in texture, leaving my skin neither moisturized nor particularly clean. The Orange Sherbet soap knocked all contenders out of the ring. Bubbly and rich, it smoothed out my skin but washed off without any filmy residue. The scent was light and pretty, not lingering for long, just long enough to make you come back for more.

The Fruit Slices Shea Butter Lotion punched up the color and scent factors of its demure companion Orange Sherbet. Bright notes of citrus came bursting out of the lemon yellow lotion, one of those good smells that give you a little mind-freshening kick when you need it, a fresh-squeezed smell. The lotion itself had the look and texture of a thick acrylic paint, and rubbed onto my skin in a thin yellow layer. It turned colorless after a few swipes with my fingers and left behind the faintest bit of shimmer. My skin felt soft but not greasy, and the lotion absorbed quickly enough to resume daily activities without leaving fruity smudges on everything I touched.

Norma’s Bath and Body Products scored high with me, with bonus points for being homemade, and extra super bonus points for working just as well, if not better, than a major manufacturer’s product. A sweep of Norma’s online store inventory was delightful, chock full of soap creations: cupcakes, fudgesicles, Pop Tarts, as well as plenty of options for those with a less demanding sweet tooth. These handcrafted soaps and lotions are as whimsical and cute as they are functional, and gave me plenty of fun and frugal gift ideas.

Written by: Kelly Moritz, August 15th 2009

Chocolate Body Treats

admin — Tue, 19 May 2009 23:56:00 +0000

By Coco-Zen

Buddhism instructs us that suffering is caused by desire. Alright, I have established that I desire chocolate. I can consume it copiously and repeatedly. With utter abandon, and complete abandonment of moderation and concern for my health. I can consume chocolate indoors, outdoors, in the kitchen, from the nightstand, at the theater; while trudging down the sidewalk, operating a motor vehicle, or taking the train. In the park, at work, at play, in celebration and commiseration. While I prefer fine dark chocolates, I will occasionally compromise my standards to include “Whatever is in front of me.”

Coco-Zen, a woman-owned company, invites us to "Experience oneness with chocolate," and while I would be delighted to apply this injunction via their truffles, they also offer a variety of chocolate personal care products: a chocolate lip gloss, edible lip scrub, a salt everything-else scrub, lotion, and soap. The soap is well-scented, but does not lather, and the aroma does not linger—a positive, given the temptation to nibble your cuticles afterwards. The gloss applies well and does not have a greasy or tacky film. The scrub? My biceps now smell like bon bons. Did the Buddha eat chocolate? I must meditate upon this as I smack my newly exfoliated lips in contemplation of all the temptations that there are to transcend. Pain ends when craving ends, when you escape want. I wish that I could recall precisely how the Enlightened One proposed this achievement, but for now, I wouldn't mind a piece of chocolate.

Written by: Erika Mikkalo, May 19th 2009

Azure Sanita Professional Clogs / LUSH Foot Products

admin — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 17:06:00 +0000

By LUSH, Sanita Clogs

R.I.P. Fizz, 1995—2009

Yes, I hate being a stereotype-come-to-life, but I have been medically prohibited from wearing anything other than very healthy shoes. At least I do not own many cats. Nor do I own any reptiles, or other exotic pets. Actually, I am on bereavement leave regarding the loss of my dog, an extraordinary shelter Greyhound-Doberman mutt, Fizz.

The dog left the planet on Monday, March 23, at 5:15 p.m. People have been very kind: at the clinic, one man looked at the empty lead, and looked at my tear-streaked face, and looked at the empty lead, and looked at my tear-streaked face, and looked away, not saying a word. It was a nice surprise to find some Sanita clogs to cheer me up. If Fizz was here, I'd try them on and say, “Walkies!” and he'd at least wag his tail slightly, no longer capable of locomotion, and try to stand, however feebly. I did the right thing.

Sanita clogs are made in Denmark, and apparently were first hewn by Christen Andersen, who distributed them by bicycle. How wholesome. They have been handcrafted in Europe since 1907. It makes me glad that these particular shoes are bright blue, and that I can wear them to fun events in Chicago such as female Elvis impersonator performances. Apparently "Old Shep" was Elvis's favorite song. There is a 24-Hour Church of Elvis in Portland, Oregon, where I had a childhood dog named Shep. Sanita does not have 100-Dalmatians hide shoes, but "wild" zebra-patterned clogs are available.

Not only can I attempt to attain "Happy Feet" with fun, sturdy, fashionable shoes, I can also doctor my feet with some delectably "spicy," almost dessert-like products: LUSH makes Fair Trade mint foot lotion and a spearmint-seasoned body butter. Slathering Running To The Embassy on after the pink foot mask, my toes became fragrant, and my calluses, no longer an embarrassment reminiscent of the Kalahari—or perhaps a Mississippi field during a drought. Between the solid, well-engineered, forward-propelling shoes and comforting ungents, I could spend all day traipsing around Graceland. Self-care is for all: comfortable feet are universally appreciated—no one wants their dogs to bark.

And Fizz was not "nothing but a hound dog."

Written by: Erika Mikkalo, April 9th 2009