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Posts Tagged ‘Caulfield’s Counter’

Stretch Marks: Not Just a Woman’s Problem

Posted in Advice, Health, Moisturizers: Body, Videos, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on July 2, 2011| Leave a Comment »

Stretch marks suck.  They occur when the skin can’t keep up with the rapid growth of the body due to weight gain,  hormones/puberty/growth spurts, or muscle building.  They easily appear but they don’t naturally completely disappear.  Try stretching a thick, old rubber band and you’ll see what essentially happens to the skin when it expands too quickly.  Stretch marks affect a number of people, from pregnant women to male athletes.  We can’t escape them, but we can do our best to avoid them.  Here are some simple over-the-counter tips to keep the stretch marks to a minimum:

Prevention

Regularly moisturize any areas of the body that stretch with lotions or creams containing shea or cocoa butter as well as vitamin e.  Natural serums and oils rich in vitamin e, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids such as 100% pure argan oil also work well at preventing stretch marks and scars by nourishing the skin and helping to increase the skin’s elasticity.  Areas of the body that are susceptible to stretch marks include the upper arms, underarms, pectorals, thighs, hips, back, breasts, around the knees, belly (front and sides), and buttocks.  If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, try using pure shea or cocoa butter.  While extremely viscous and nutty smelling, these butters help make the skin much more elastic and thus more adaptable to rapid expansion.

Stretch Mark Prevention Prevent Shea Butter Body Cream Vitamin e Caulfields Counter Men Male skincare

Body creams made with shea or cocoa butter aid in making the skin more elastic.

Over-the Counter Treatment

There is no true natural remedy for treating existing stretch marks.  You can, however, help diminish the appearance of stretch marks by regularly applying scar gels such as Mederma and Derma E.  Keep in mind that if you use scar gels, they should be applied five times daily in order for them to be somewhat effective.  Don’t expect miracles.  If you’re lucky, you may notice some slight improvement over a two month period of using scar gels.

Stretch mark treatment treat scar gel mederma cvs caulfields counter onion extract men male skincare skin care

Scar gels can help diminish the appearance of existing stretch marks.

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Product Review: Kiehl’s Cross-Terrain UV Face Protector SPF 50

Posted in Moisturizers: Body, Moisturizers: Face, Sunscreens/Sunblocks, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 6, 2011| 2 Comments »

Kiehls Cross-Terrain UV Face Protector SPF 50 Review Caulfields Counter sunscreen sunblock

Kiehls Cross-Terrain UV Face Protector SPF 50

Kiehls Cross-Terrain UV Face Protector SPF 50 Review Caulfields Counter Sunblock Sunscreen Texture

Kiehls Cross-Terrain UV Face Protector SPF 50 Texture

Overall Rating: ★★★★☆
Price: $$$ ($20-$30) – Available at Kiehl’s, Nordstrom, Grooming Lounge, and Bloomingdale’s.
Scent: No noticeable fragrance.
I liked: how easy it was to apply.  This sunscreen won’t drip into the eyes like lotions can.  The compact container and texture makes it convenient to travel with and carry without having to worry about spillage.  The high SPF is ideal for adventure seekers and summer tourists alike.
I didn’t like: the texture at first.  The solid wax-like consistency took some getting used to.  However, once applied on the skin, the product absorbed quickly.

Kiehl’s Cross-Terrain UV Face Protector SPF 50 is an ideal sunscreen for anyone who is exposed to the Sun for an extended period of time.  I had some doubts when I first saw the product – unlike most other sunscreens, the Cross-Terrain Face Protector has a solid texture.  I wrongly assumed the wax-like consistency meant a heavier feeling on my face.  My skin adapted quickly to the product.  It felt no weightier than the face moisturizers I typically use.  Don’t let the small size fool you – this stuff packs a protective punch and will last a while.  Those with sensitive skin will appreciate the lack of a scent.  Though this sunscreen is water and sweat resistant, I recommend reapplication after a swim or workout.  Ingredients squalane and synthetic beeswax help to keep skin moisturized.


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Bar Soap vs. Face or Body Wash – Which One is Better? (Video)

Posted in Body Washes and Soaps, Face Washes and Scrubs, Uncategorized, Videos, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 18, 2011| Leave a Comment »

Drunk Roommate in Shower Bar Soap Caulfields Counter

Until recently, I never really thought about the difference between a bar of soap and a liquid face or body wash.  They both serve the same function, but one has to be superior to the other.  I decided to educate myself by reading a few online forum threads on the topic and found some advantages and disadvantages of each.

Bar Soap
Advantages:

  • Convenient – good for when you’re on the go. Can be easily used without a sponge or washcloth.
  • Generally provides more lather when used without a washcloth.

Disadvantages:

  • Bar soaps are usually made with harsher ingredients which can strip your skin of oil. This often makes the skin over-produce oil to compensate for the dryness, which can ultimately lead blemishes or breakouts.
  • Bar soaps are less hygienic than liquid face or body washes.  They are constantly exposed to moisture, which makes their surfaces ideal breeding grounds for bacterial growth.  Imagine yourself sharing a bar of soap with a roommate who doesn’t have the best body hygiene habits.  Just consider the places on the body a bar of soap is rubbed against.

Face or Body Wash
Advantages:

  • Liquid Face and body washes are gentler on your skin compared to bar soaps as they don’t contain as many harsh ingredients.  Liquid washes won’t strip your skin of vital oils as much as bar soaps can.
  • More hygienic to use than bar soaps.

Disadvantages:

  • Liquid washes are usually more expensive than bar soaps.
  • Require a washcloth or sponge for maximum lather.

Final verdict
Go with a liquid wash whenever possible.  The extra money spent on liquid washes is well worth it when you consider the toll many bar soaps can take on your skin.

And remember to always moisturize after every wash!

Note:  The skin on the face is thin compared to other parts of the body – which makes it more sensitive.  I don’t suggest using the same soap for your face that you use for your body.  If you’re going to use the same liquid cleanser for both areas, try using one that is natural and not heavily scented.  Cleansers with synthetic fragrances can cause facial breakouts.  For an all-in-one type of liquid cleanser, I recommend using an all-natural castille soap such as Dr. Bronner’s.

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My Shaving Routine: How to Prep, Shave, and Soothe Your Handsome Face (Video)

Posted in Face Washes and Scrubs, Moisturizers: Face, Shave Products, Videos, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 12, 2011| Leave a Comment »

How to Prep, Shave, and Soothe Your Handsome Face Caulfields Counter

  • Properly preparing your face by washing with warm water and a gentle face wash can help you achieve a smoother shave.  Washing your face removes the dirt and debris that can hinder the glide of your razor.  Using a gentle face scrub twice a week will optimize the shaving experience.
  • When using shave cream, start by applying to the areas with toughest beard growth such as the chin.  This gives the cream more time to penetrate and soften the beard.
  • Nothing can hurt your face more than using a worn-out razor.  Switch out your blade(s) the moment you notice your razor becoming dull.  Signs include increased post-shave irritation/razor burn and frequent cuts.
  • Always moisturize and condition your face with an alcohol-free aftershave balm or lotion. Don’t skimp in this department – one layer is usually not enough.  Continue to apply until any sign of discomfort or irritation is gone and your face is properly moisturized.
  • If you shower after you shave, be sure to moisturize again after showering.

Check out the video below for a step-by-step demonstration:

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