If you haven’t seen the advertisements, the Colgate Wisp is a new on-the-go toothbrushing product that is disposable and requires no water or rinsing.  The Wisp is about half the size of a regular toothbrush and has a much smaller head.  Each Wisp is individually wrapped in a package of four, so you use the product once and then toss it.

Sometimes I try new products and I think, eh I don’t really have a use for that, but I am so excited about the Wisp!  I think I am going to be hooked on it forever.  It seems strange that a dry toothbrush could give you a just-brushed feeling, but somehow it really does!  It has a “freshening bead” at the center of the brush that releases fresh taste when you brush it on your teeth.  It also has a pick at the opposite end to use for cleaning between your teeth.

Everyone is paranoid about fresh breath these days and chewing gum all the time is not very good for your jaw.  This new product is perfect for a quick clean-up right after a meal when you don’t time have time to run home to get your toothbrush.  I used to carry a spare toothbrush in my purse for brushing during my lunchbreak at work, but this provides a much more convenient replacement.  Oh yeah and I also heard that the Beckhams are obsessed with these little Wisps!

My only problem with the Wisp is that it does feel a little like you should rinse and spit when you’re done, but maybe that’s something you get used to.  It’s also not very environmentally friendly, but if you only use it in emergency situations and not a few times a day then it’s not a big worry.

The Colgate Wisp is available at most drugstores and online at drugstore.com for $2.39 for a 4-pack or $7.99 for a 16-pack.

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Product Review: Colgate Wisp

Kenzo sent me a sample of their new Kenzoki: Marshmallow Mask to try for review. Here are a few points about me that you might not be aware of 1) I love Kenzo and 2) I will try anything with the word “Marshmallow” in the name.

Kenzoki: Marshmallow Maskis part of Kenzo’s Sensual Rice line (I tried the Barefeet Fantasy Food Creamfrom the same line). The mask is designed for use by people with dry or normal skin. It is made with ingredients like cameline seed, cotton butter, shea butter, glycerin, bran water, cocao seed butter, and rice plant water. These ingredients were chosen for their hydrating and soothing properties.

Cameline seed oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and rice plant water has been shown to reinforce “the anti-radical activity of anti-oxidizing agents.” Simply put, this mask helps to slow the aging process. Use it and your skin could appear younger-looking.

I am typing this with the mask on my face for the third time. It feels very cool when you put it on. It smells great – they call the fragrance Rice Steam – it smells sort of like Love’s Baby Soft to me. (A favorite from my youth). It feels creamy when you apply it and then it sort of melts into your face.  You leave it on for 10 minutes and then you either rinse it or wipe it off. I used a wet facial cloth and if left my face feeling soft and hydrated. I have occasional breakouts, but using the mask does not break me out. It’s been very windy were I live this week and this mask has really come in handy. You can find the Kenzoki Mask at KenzoUSA.com.

*Here’s a tip for the next time you use a moisturizing mask – don’t limit the application to your face. Apply it to your neck, your upper chest, and the backs of your hands.*

Image credit: Michelle Smith

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Kenzoki: Marshmallow Mask

The Neutrogena Wave Duo is a battery-powered massaging and cleansing device that looks kind of like a small computer mouse.  The Wave Duo Kit includes the Wave Duo, a AA battery (so appreciated!  I probably wouldn’t have used it if I had to go buy a pack of AAs), and 14 pads.  The device was super easy to use, which is great for someone like me who doesn’t like to read directions.  You pop in the AA battery and there are two buttons with icons for On/Off and Speed.  The pads are circular softly textured pads with moisture-activated facial cleanser already in them.  You place a pad onto the velcro end of the Duo, add a little water, turn the power On, and start massaging your face with the cleanser.  The cleanser lathers slightly to clean your face while also massaging away dead skin cells, makeup, oil, and dirt.

I am not one to gush about using a new skin product just once, but I can really say that after only one use my skin felt so soft!  I am a big fan of daily exfoliation as one of the best ways to keep skin smooth and healthy, so the Neutrogena Wave Duo is my new favorite daily exfoliating tool.  The vibrating massaging sensation felt really great on my skin.  I was a little disappointed that I couldn’t use my regular daily cleanser with the Neutrogena Wave Duo, but then I discovered that three have types of pads available:  Shine-Free Blemish-Free, Gentle Exfoliating, and Foaming.  The Wave Duo Kit includes the foaming pads, but I will definitely be trying the Shine-Free Blemish-Free next.  You also definitely need to use a moisturizer after using this product to protect and replenish your skin after being deeply cleansed.

If you are interested in trying the new Neutrogena Wave Duo, visit the Neutrogena website to get a $3 off coupon and $2 off on pad refills!  You can also find out more information about the Wave Duo and where to buy it online.

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Neutrogena Wave Duo Review

I recently corresponded with supermodel Sunny Griffin about her natural botanical skincare line Astara and she offered to send me samples of her products so that I could find out for myself how they look, feel, smell…and work!  I am usually wary about switching skincare lines because I have such a regimented routine that has been working well for me, but these products made from raw botanical ingredients and nourishing oils and extracts sounded quite interesting.

For the last week I have been using the Astara products on my face and body and I have been extremely happy with my experience.  I am probably even switching to some of the Astara products permanently instead of those in my regular routine!  I love the pleasant natural smells that are more like grass, seaweed, and fruit than perfume.  The products have an intriguing and innovative mixture of organic plant ingredients like aloe, seaweed, green tea, tree barks, and tropical fruit extracts.

Sunny Griffin uses concepts of Green living for her line with the use of chemical-free processes and ingredients from nutrients that occur naturally in the earth.  She believes in the purity and nourishing powers of raw plants that contain live biocultures and proteins, so none of the plant ingredients used in Astara products are ever brought above 105 degrees.  I love the idea of keeping your skin healthy and pure by using real live plant nutrients instead of chemicals!

Astara Skincare Antioxidant Light Moisturizer

My absolute favorite product in the samples that Sunny chose for me to use on my combination skin is the Antioxidant Light Moisturizer.  Described as “a perfect slip under makeup,” this super soft whipped eco-friendly moisturizer smells of freshly cut herbs and is perfect for applying after exfoliating in the morning.  It has a great non-greasy feel that leaves your face feeling soft and clean.  It really is the perfect moisturizing base and I think I am addicted to it.

Astara Blue Flame Purifying Toning Mist

The other product that I will not be able to go without is the Toning Mist from the Blue Flame collection.  This toning spray is designed specifically to help balance oily skin and fight bacteria that can cause blemishes.  I spritz it on whenever my face is feeling a little tired and I need a little burst of freshness.  It smells like a hint of lavender and has the most refreshing feeling on your skin…it feels like  I’ve just walked out of a spa!

You can find out more about Astara skincare products online at Astara Skincare.  Watch the video about Sunny Griffin explaining her inspirations and ingredients and then order yourself some free samples!

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Reviewing the Astara Skincare Line

My face may be prone to breakouts, but it doesn’t tend to be terribly finicky. However, I do find that soap residue can be a major problem. The key indicator that there is still some film on your skin? It feels dry and almost cracked – both symptoms can be fixed with moisturizer, but does that solve the actual problem? No. The residue is still there.

Image: Sephora

But with Korres White Tea Gel Cleanser, there is no residue. With minimal lather, and a not too thick or thin consistency, this is a great basic cleanser that doesn’t contain parabens, synthetic dyes, petro-chemicals, phthalates, GMO, or triclosan. Of course, I still need that moisturizer…but not to mask the residue feeling.

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Korres White Tea Gel Cleanser

This week I had the opportunity to sample some products from Merlot USA. 

I was very excited to try the Merlot Divine Eau de Parfum Spray. My oldest daughter was home when the mail arrived and we quickly spritzed ourselves.  I liked it. It’s a fresh, light fragrance. I think it had an “earthy” quality to it.

I hope they decide to come out with a candle, because it would make a great home fragrance, as well. We all liked the bottle.  It is tall, thin, and can be used later for a bud vase. 

I had seven ladies try the fragrance. Five of them loved it, one liked it, and one was not a fan. I’d say that six out of seven is pretty good.  One of the testers had this to say, “It’s a nice, light scent, that would be best suited for a romantic date. Your date would want to move in close.”   

Merlot Divine

Merlot also sent me some of their Grape Seed Moisturizer.  I loved it. I’m 42. I have combination skin and occasional breakouts (not fair – there should be a law against having to live with grey hair and pimples at the same time) my skin can be tricky.  This moisturizer has a light feel, but delivers some serious moisture, and it did not break me out. It has a nice soft scent (it’s the inspiration for the Merlot Divine scent). My daughter, Bailey, who is sixteen, tried the moisturizer. Again – no breakouts. 

Merlot has a large selection of skincare products and they are all very reasonably priced.  I am going to look into their eye cream.  I’ve been in the market for a new eye cream.  

Grape Seed Moisturizer

Image credit – Merlot USA Skincare

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Product Review – Merlot Divine Eau de Parfum Spray