Cult-Classic Salve

Smith's Rosebud Salve 
7/25/13

This is one of those products that I keep all over the place. My makeup bag, one of many skincare-filled bathroom drawers, seemingly every handbag I own, my car, bedside tables, my carry-on toiletry bag...I think you get the idea. It's certainly the most multi-purpose and versatile beauty product I've ever used, and far from the fanciest. I discovered this gem many years ago at the natural pharmacy Pharmaca, which I recently learned has locations in California, Colorado, New Mexico, Oregon and Washington. I'm both a browser and an impulse buyer, which is how this cute tin of the original salve first ended up coming home with me. 

For the first year or so, I used it primarily as a lip balm. It's absolutely fantastic for this purpose. As the name implies, it's a rose shade and has a very mild scent which is pleasant. The salve leaves lips wonderfully hydrated and naturally shiny. They also offer a Minted Rose Lip Balm, but as you can see in the photo below I've yet to try it! The original is so good that I'm not certain why I even purchased the minted version. I imagine it would feel really great on sunburned lips. After applying to my lips, I found myself massaging the remainder onto my cuticles and nails. This quickly became my second favorite use. Dry and irritated cuticles and nails were instantly softened, and healed over time with regular use. 

Another great use of the salve is on dry skin. I keep a separate tin solely (no pun intended) for use on my toes and heels, which get dry during summer when I wear sandals and more open shoes. It also works wonders on dry hands, elbows, and anywhere else you need extra healing moisture. A little bit goes a really long way. 

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For many years I had my hair chemically straightened (thermal reconditioning), which left my scalp incredibly dry and irritated for about a week after each treatment. I massaged this salve onto my scalp after the torturous three-day period when my hair had to remain dry and untouched. This was the only thing that gave me relief from my itchy and irritated scalp. 

While doing my homework for this post, I was amazed to learn about many other uses, such as applying over lipstick for added shine, to tame eyebrows (I'm so trying that tomorrow), to manage fly-aways or frizz, and even as an eye shadow primer. Not to mention all the medicinal uses like soothing burns, insect bites, and even blemishes. 

My verdict? This gender-neutral product has been healing skin since 1892. Between the medicinal and beauty uses, I will always keep plenty of this cult-favorite on hand. 

- Smith's Original Rosebud Salve is $6 for a .8 oz. tin or a .5 oz tube. 

- Smith's Minted Rose Lip Balm and Strawberry Lip Balm is $7 for a .8 oz tin. 

Available at Pharmaca, Sephora, C.O. Bigelow, & natural stores everywhere. 

Note: prices can vary by about a dollar at different stores. 

Pedi-Ready Summer Feet

7/2/13

While summer is full of sunshine, good times, and lots of mani/pedis, it's also a time when our hands and feet take abuse from the sun and our choice of open footwear. Sure, we feel minor relief for a brief while after a mani/pedi, but our poor hands and feet are craving real moisture shortly thereafter. Since our feet are exposed to the elements now more than any other season, they need extra TLC. A couple of friends have asked for my foot care beauty recommendations, so I thought I'd create a post on the subject. 

(click photo to enlarge)

I have two secret weapons that I use year-round to keep my hands and feet moisturized and healthy. Neither are new products, but both are staples in my skin and body care arsenal. First up we have the cult classic L'Occitane Certified Organic Pure Shea Butter, in a classic tin. While I've touted the smaller tin for nail and cuticle care, the larger tin was designed for daily use on larger areas, making it perfect for hands & feet. Some initially find the thick, slightly waxy texture off-putting. The trick is to start with a small amount, warm between your palms and apply to dry feet. It glides on rather easily once warmed, and is incredibly hydrating. I use a generous amount of this product nightly just before I go to sleep, massaging extra onto my toes and heels. 

While the L'Occitane may be enough, I don't stop there. Another one of my all-time favorite products from Kiehl's completes my nightly hand and foot regimen. Kiehl's Intensive Treatment & Moisturizer for Dry or Callused Areas is the perfect top layer to soften rough, parched skin. It also doubles as an amazing nighttime hand cream, and does wonders for the nails. I reserve this product solely for nighttime use, as it's incredibly rich and intensive, as the name implies. 

If your feet are very dry or cracked, I recommend using extra product in both steps above, followed by wearing loose-fitting chenille (or similar) socks over your feet to bed two to three times a week. I simply lie on top of my duvet and read for about 20 minutes until both products are mostly absorbed. Come morning, my feet are soft and ready to show off in summer shoes. Since both products are so intensive, I only recommend using them at night. L'Occitane offers a Shea Butter Foot Cream which is more appropriate for day use, as is Caudalie Foot Beauty Cream.

My verdict? If you need a boost of moisture but don't have overly dry feet, you'll likely be set with Kiehl's intensive moisturizer. If you're wearing open shoes, flip flops and the like, I highly recommend the power duo above. It's a winning combination. And don't forget to exfoliate with a pumice stone if you don't let the pros do your pedis! Like most other skin treatments, your feet will benefit from overnight treatment and healing. 

- L'Occitane Certified Organic Pure Shea Butter is $40 for a 4.9 oz. tin. 

- L'Occitane Shea Butter Foot Cream is $28 for a 5.2 oz. tube. 

- Kiehl's Intensive Treatment & Moisturizer for Dry or Callused Areas is $48 for an 8 oz. jar. 

And don't forget my favorite polishes: 
YSL & Chanel