Our Beautiful Bodies!

[Dazzling Zoomer Gal Diana]

And what we use on our face and bodies to keep looking great! Lotions, dyes, shampoo, conditioners, creams, depilatories and bleaches (pesky wee hairs suddenly in odd places, what IS UP with that!?!), nail and toe polish, self tanning lotions, toners, cleansers,exfoliators, sun screen, hand and feet products;please come share the brand name and why you love what you use! We have touched on some of these things in "make-up" but it occurred to me that a separate discussion was needed for the face & body items that we use.

[Dazzling Zoomer Gal Diana]

Ok. I shall start. I like St. Ives products, esp. the Apricot Scrub. Inexpensive, mild, and effective for all skin types.

[BlueHera]

I've begun buying my own essential oils from an online source and mixing my own blend of body oil. Grapeseed oil is light and non-greasy. Lemon, grapefruit, ylang ylang are a few favorites in the oils.

Also pure coconut oil (more like butter below a certain temperature) is a great moisturizer and hair treatment.

I've been using baking soda to get chlorine out of my hair after swimming, with an apple cider vinegar wash to correct pH.

Otherwise, Jason products are always a good bet.

Thanks, Dazz!

[Chez moi]

Good tip, Hera; a simple squeeze bottle of cider vinegar in the bathroom is handy for bath water and rinsing face and hair. It is also good from the inside out; a fine quality vinegar with a bit of honey in a glass of water is a good way to start the day.

I liked the St Ives products, Diana, and they always had travel size versions of their products at our drug store. Good shampoos and body lotions too, as I remember.

My sister shared a fancy jar of body exfoliant which I have copied... sugar and apricot oil. I like the smell of brown sugar. You can use any oil you like; olive or sunflower is less expensive and pleasant. Sea salt, fine grained, works as well, bringing the benefits of its minerals, but do not use it if you have any little cuts on your skin or it may sting. Just do be careful in the tub or shower, the oil is slippery!

Another home made treat I used to like was simply oatmeal whizzed in the blender; a little of this powder in dampened hands is a gentle exfoliator for face or body and leaves a soothing kind of 'gel' behind. Almonds can be added as well.

[BlueHera]

Lovely! I love homemade tips. Thanks, Chez!

[Dazzling Zoomer Gal Diana]

Thanks for posting everyone!

Oh ! I think I will try the dove pads. I have a very oily T zone. I am using Neutrogena's Make-up Remover cleansing towelettes (esp. good to travel with) for the preliminary clean, and would like something to tackle the T Zone.

I only use the apricot scrub on my body - specifically my legs and feet.

I have baby fine hair so I will try the Aussie Extra Hold - thks!

BlueHera (love your paintings by the way, lovely!) what is the name of your online source for essential oils please?

Is anyone using a self tanner? I've been using Jergens "natural glow" for fair skin (I have olive undertones) and would love to try something else, but am chicken it will turn me orange! One esp. formulated for the face and neck /chest area would be nice. Any suggestions?

[BlueHera]

I buy oils at New Directions Aromatics (they care the carrier oils as well). Another source I know of is Liberty Natural. The prices are far better than the health food store.

I've never tried a bronzer. I tend to get tan in 5 minutes... If you find a good one, let me know!

[Kelley Ayers]

If anyone knows of a good self-tanner or bronzer for someone (me) who has milky white (one might even say fluorescent white) skin please let me know. I've tried a million but find they still leave me looking an unnatural color. I'm thinking I should probably just stay white all year round - let everyone know that's who I am!! :)

[KateKate]

Oh wow! I've never thought of using the apricot scrub on my feet. I love to keep my feet nice and toenails painted. What a great inexpensive idea. Thanks.

[KateKate]

I was in the mall one day and this girl rubbed my hands with some sea salt and they were sooo smooth. I haven't been able to find any of the "sea salt" since then. Does anyone know of a big local chain that sells it? I'm in the Northern KY/ Cincinnati,OH area.