Rodial SPF 18 Glamtox Review

After this deep moisturizer was featured on the Martha Stewart show, everyone wanted to get their hands on the new miracle worker. Touted as a “non-invasive alternative to surgery,” it advertises the ability to plump skin and fill in wrinkles to give an overall younger look. As 20-year-old student, my hopes were not high for this having any effect on my skin. I like to think that through plenty of rest, drinking water and eating my vegetables, my skin retains elasticity. However, I sure was thankful for this product during a particularly stressful week this semester.

The Claim: To look younger without the needles or the knives.

The Verdict: This light-weight lotion reduced the puffiness in my eyes and made my skin just ever so subtly…better. Not necessarily anything concrete, but just the feeling you get when you know that an invisible layer of magic is working to relax your under-eye circles. My dry skin loved the feel of this lotion, as it was very moisturizing without being too heavy. I also love the fact that it has an SPF of 18, as I am a firm supporter of daily sun protection. I believe that even my oily skinned friends would be impressed. On a whim one afternoon, I applied this to my thighs, and I must say, they looked visibly firmer, though I will not be advocating smearing expensive cream on your entire body.

The Bottom Line: I will for sure save this for stressful times and days when I’ve racked up an especially big sleep debt, but I do not yet feel the need to be rigorous about applying this daily. On a plus note, I know what to get my mom for her birthday!

Yours in Beauty,

Shelby

Featured Collection: SweetSpot Labs Intimate Grooming Escensuals

As much as we don’t like to talk about it, body care “down there” may be one of the most important areas to cleanse properly and yet most of us are embarrassed to even bring it up. That’s why Beauty Collection is proud to carry one of the only specialized brands for this unique type of grooming. SweetSpot Labs has created a specific collection of products made with especially gentle formulas and beneficial ingredients.

Unlike most soaps, shampoos or body washes, SweetSpot Labs products are pH balanced specifically for optimum “sweet spot” health. They contain mild ingredients specially chosen to blend with soothing botanicals and are absent of alcohol. Those products with aroma contain pure essential oils that were deliberately selected for scents that enhance and complement a woman, while contributing a cleansing, calming and refreshing function. The line includes “NO. 00” products, which contain no aroma or color for women who prefer aroma-free products or have extra sensitivities. The SweetSpot Labs Intimate Grooming Escensuals collection includes: a gentle wash, balancing mist, on-the-go wipettes and eau de spot.

Recommended Products


Gentle Wash, Spot Fresh!: For pH balanced TLC using especially blended mild cleansers and soothing botanicals with essential oils all formulated for sweet spot use. A lovely last step in your bathing ritual. $12.00

Balancing Mist, Spot Right!: A collection of luxurious gentle mists to add to your Intimate Grooming™ ritual. Voila -your sweet spot is sure to find its center. Available in citrus galbanum, geranium lavender, basil grapefruit and unscented. $12.00

Eau De Spot, Spot Delight!: One soft disk keeps you fresher than a daisy. Gentle, pH-balanced, and alcohol free. One dot sweetens the spot! Available in conve¬nient purse-size com¬pacts. Contains 24 eau de spot infusions. $22.00

The Ultimate Beauty Kit for College Girls

Classes are about to begin and chances are the dorm-bound coed in your life has a mini-fridge and a microwave high on her must-have list. But what about the day to day products she’ll need to feel fresh for that 8 a.m. class? Beauty Collection has everything today’s college student needs to look her best, whether she’s just off to the cafeteria or going to an evening formal. When putting together the ultimate beauty kit for your favorite college girl, here’s a handy checklist to get you started:

Bath Items

Stock that oh-so-vital shower caddy with everything she needs to stay fresh. Along with her favorite shampoo and conditioner, add a scented body wash such as 100% Pure’s Fresh Squeezed Pink Grapefruit Juicy Shower Gel. Don’t forget a razor and shaving gel like the rose-scented cream from The Art of Shaving for Women.

Hair Care

In addition to her preferred styling products, she’s going to need hardware to keep her hair looking fabulous all day. For dorm living, choose hair dryers and styling irons that are reliable but not too expensive [in case they go missing]. Beauty Collection also stocks a variety of hairbrushes including Bio Ionic’s nano-ionic brushes to help speed up the drying time before that early morning class. Remember to pack hair accessories like headbands and bobby pins too.

Nail Care

Most students don’t have the extra cash to spend on a professional manicure or pedicure—so give her what she needs to do it herself. Stock up on hot fall colors like Manicurist of Seville and Conquistadorable Color from OPI’s España Collection. And don’t forget the JAPONESQUE Manicure Set which includes tweezers, nail clippers, cuticle scissors and a nail file—all in an adorable pink tote.

Foundation/Blush

Mineral-based foundations and blushes from Stript will give her the flawless look she wants without the parabens. Made from marine botanicals, these foundations and blushes are formulated with the antioxidants A, C & E to help naturally moisturize the face.

Skincare

Breakouts aren’t unusual for the college crowd, especially during finals week, so include a complete acne regimen like Dr. Murad’s Acne Complex Kit. [For more on keeping blemishes at bay, see our "Bye, Bye Breakouts" post.] Also pack her favorite moisturizer such as Boscia Oil-Free Daily Hydration [SPF 15] and hand lotion to prevent chapping.

Lipgloss

This coed staple gives lips a natural fresh look for any time of day. Give her a variety of fun colors for every occasion and look for ones with shimmer like Stila Lip Glaze.

Eye Makeup

Today’s college coeds go with a natural daytime look with a little something extra for night [think Emma Watson—the university-bound star favors dramatic eyeliner for evening premieres]. For daytime eyeshadow, go with soft colors like Starlight or Kitten from Stila and try smokier shades from the Stila Smokey Eye Collection for night.

Smile Care

To keep those pearlies white, she’ll need dental floss, toothpaste and a toothbrush for starters. Add a travel-sized mouthwash like GoSMILE Touch-Ups so that she can freshen up between classes.

Odds and Ends

Don’t forget to stock up on must-have items like cotton balls and swabs, bandages and facial tissue. Add a set of makeup brushes such as the Japonesque Touch Up Tube Brush Set to round out her beauty kit.

Storage

Storage space is at a premium, especially for dorm dwellers, so help her organize her beauty supplies. A cute makeup case like the Japonesque Medium Train Case with accordion trays can store everything she needs [and more!] without taking up valuable drawer space.