Rosebud Salve

Rosebud Salve, I love it. It comes in the cutest little tin and is only $6.  And it covers a plethora of sins.  Here’s the skinny on the original:

This cult-favorite, multi-purpose lip balm has been popular for over 100 years. An Old Family Standby Since 1895, this world-famous salve has been re-discovered by Hollywood stars and makeup artists. Rosebud Salve is still a favorite to aid in the relief of chapped and dry skin, blemishes, diaper rash, and detergent burns. Rosebud Salve is also a wonderful lip moisturizer and natural looking lip gloss. It moisterizes dry lips, calms and heals irritation, and soothes the sting of minor burns. Try dabbing on dry elbows or knees to condition, and relieve dryness. Also an excellent remedy for the treatment of diaper rash. The original flagship product, Smith’s Rosebud Salve remains our top seller. A glossy, non-sticky, non-waxy, texture makes this balm stand out. Only a dab is necessary, ensuring that one tin lasts a very long time! Mix with lipstick for extra shine. During allergy and cold season, dab on a dry, irritated nose to relieve discomfort.

Now, my many uses for Rosebud Salve:

• Lip balm
• Cuticle conditioner
• Under eye balm
• Smooth frizzy hair in a pinch
• Mix it with makeup for creamy blush, shadow and lipstain
• Works wonders on dry skin
• Great for irritated nose in after a cold
• Lasts forever.  Well, a really long time

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Blinging Beauty Blogger!

I commonly get mistaken for being at least a decade younger than I am.  I’m 52, but don’t look it.  I’m sure that I need to thank my parents for the DNA, because they both look(ed) younger than their years.   Those that know I am in the beauty business ask what I use, advice, tips and I’m more than willing to spill the beans.  I can’t shut-up about cosmetics and beauty stuff.  With regard to my skin care routine, it’s pretty simple.  I do the basics — cleanse, moisturize, use SPF,  diligently use eye cream and I diligently EXFOLIATE.  I’m an exfoliating junkie.  A day without scrubbing is like a day without sunshine for me.

So what is exfoliation?  It is the chemical or mechanical removal of dead or non-functioning skin cells. This process also aids in improving circulation through stimulating blood flow. Chemical exfoliants include Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA’s), Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA’s) and Retinol.  Mechanical exfoliants are ones that have crushed or powdered nuts or seeds, jojoba seeds, or polyethelene (man-made) beads, to name a few.

As we age, our natural desquamation (skin shedding) cycle slows down.  When skin cells shed, it signals lower cell to start making new ones.  That’s why it is so important to exfoliate as we age.  Have you ever seen someone with dry, flaky skin?  Well, all the mosturizer in the world won’t help until they get rid of that dry stuff.  So exfoliation is key.

I use both manual and chemical exfoliants.  Here are my favorites.  My top 5 exfoliators:

Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

1.  Exfoliating Cleanser   Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser 6.75 oz $35

Exfoliates dull, dry, uneven texture.  Leaves skin smooth and hydrated.  Smoothes texture while cleansing impurities with a trio of gentle exfoliating acids. Salicylic, Lactic and Glycolic Acids provide clarity, brightness and improve cell-turnover by dissolving dead skin cell buildup. Jojoba beads further polish and smooth skin

Peter Thomas Roth Un-Wrinkle Pads

2. Chemical Exfoliant   Peter Thomas Roth Un-Wrinkle Peel Pads   60 Pads $45
What it is:
A daily hydroxy acid and peptide facial peel. 

Convenient and easy to use, these peel pads are formulated with alpha, beta, and gamma hydroxy acids (which act as exfoliators) and amino acids (the building blocks of peptides). The result: tighter pores, clear skin and disappearance of fine lines, wrinkles and uneven skin tone. Leaves skin soft, smooth, firm and revitalized.

St. Ives Apricot Scrub with Salicylic Acid

3.  Budget Exfoliant St. Ives Apricot Scrub for Oily or Acne Prone Skin 6 oz $3.99

Blemish and Blackhead Control

Oily/Acne Prone

Oil Free

2% Salicylic Acid

Gently exfoliates to remove dirt, oil and dead skin cells that can clog pores.

Brown Sugar Fig Salt Scrub

4.  Body Exfoliant  Jones and Rose Brown Sugar Fig Salt Scrub $28

Skin nourishing olive, soy, and almonds oils combine to deliver silky, smooth moisture to soften and nourish rough spots. moisturizes while mineral rich sea salts gently smooths and softens rough spots. No need to use lotion afterwards.

Laura Geller Lip Strip

5.  Lip Exfoliant  Laura Geller Lip Strip Cooling Sugar Scrub 1 oz $16

 Lip Strip gently buffs dry lips to renewed smoothness. Historically, sugar is one of the safest natural exfoliants and humectants, and because the skin of the lips is so delicate, pure organic sugar from Brazil was chosen to use as the base of this scrub. In addition, peppermint and spearmint oils were added for a beautiful, refreshing sensation.

 Try these exfoliators and you too can be a smooth operator!

 We are in the throes of summer and layering on the sunscreen should be a given.  But do you think about protecting your lips with an SPF as well?  Lip balms with SPF are a perfect addition to your skin care must-haves.  Not only will you keep your lips in soft kissable condition, but protect them from the damaging rays of the sun.  There are several formulas of lip balm on the market now that are include a plethora of soothing and healing ingredients.  Look for ingredients like shea butter, aloe, jojoba oil, vitamin e, sweet almond oil and natural oatmeal.

Try these top 5 budget beauty lip balm choices:

1.  Oatmeal Based

  Aveeno Lip Conditioner SPF 15 $3.99  Formulated with natural oatmeal, jojoba oil and shea butter, this lip balm heals and soothes and protect.

2.  Engineered by scientists, designed for and by athletes 

Serena Williams Pomegranate SPF20 Balmer

Mission Skin Care Serena Williams’ Pomegranate Lip Balmer SPF 15  $3.99  Broad-Spectrum SPF 15 UVA/UVB Protection, clinically Proven to Lock in Moisture for up to 8 Hours.

 3.  Eco-friendly and organic

Eco Lips SPF 15

Eco-lips Lip Balm SPF 15  $3.99  Over 87% certified organic ingredients, gluten free with an aluminum carabiner clip which is an ideal way to remind you to be proactive about your lip care. 

4.  For the kid in you

Blistex Fruit Smoothies Lip Protectant SPF 15 3 in package for $3.99  Fruit Smoothies are packed with moisturizers and fortified with natural fruit extracts plus Vitamins A, B5, and C.

5.  Triple Duty — Shimmer, SPF and Conditioning

ChapStick® True Shimmer™ $2.99 Get the healthy appearance benefits of a lip balm with the addition of a subtle highlight. 

Makeup artist,s tip:  Make your own lip stain. 

Fill in lips with your favorite lip pencil.  I love Tarte Double-Ended Lipliners  – A double-ended lip liner that contains one soft, neutral shade on one side and a deeper shade on the other. $19  Use your finger to really work the pencil into the lips.  Then apply your lip balm over your penciled-in lips.  Once the balm and pencil mix, you have your very own personalized lip stain! 

Keeping your lips luscious, protected and conditioned does not have to cost a fortune.  You can find lip balms that are ideal for everyday use at your local drugstore or at online retailers.