I remember when I was pregnant with my little one, how frustrating it was to find products that I knew for certain were safe to use during pregnancy. I'm not sure if everyone has this struggle or not, but I was one incredibly cautious (maybe even overly so) MaMa. Especially since it took us five years to conceive so I was going to make darn sure that I didn't do anything to jeopardize our pregnancy!
Fortunately, things have changed over the last five years and there are several pregnancy safe marketed lines available today. By far, however, the absolute BEST on the market are offered from
Mama Mio. I recently started using a few of their amazing products and thought I would share my results with you and a few more that are on my Gotta Try List.
The
Mama Mio Omega Shower Cream was the first thing I really wanted to try. I tend to be picky when it comes to my shower cream. I deal with those lovely bumps on my upper arms and legs and have used the same shower gel for years now. Honestly, the only reason I even tried this is because hubby and I are making one last attempt for baby #2, so being ever so hopeful, I figured I should venture and try a pregnancy safe shower gel. I was pleasantly suprised. The Omega Shower Cream is not only incredibly moisturizing, but also has an incredible scent. I have been using it for weeks now and love it!
The next thing I selected was the
Mama Mio Omega Super-Rich Body Cream. I have tried a ton of lotions and I seriously mean a ton! The more I can manage to exfoliate and moisturize, the less I have to deal with my body bumps. Needless to say that since I have dealt with this skin issue since I was a child, I have seriously tried practically every lotion on the market. Again, I was impressed! The lotion absorbs quickly, goes on smooth, smells heavenly, and has a lovely scent. If you have a loved one who is pregnant, I would most definitely recommend both of these products!
Now for my Gotta Try List!
First is the
Mama Mio Bootcamp for Tummies. After having my little girl, things just aren't the same in that department. I have heard phenomenal raves about this system. The kit includes two products, the Skin Tight Toning Serum and the Get Waisted Body Shaper. The products combined with an exercise program will flatten, tighten, smooth, AND define your tummy....all things that need to be happening to my tummy right now!
Mother's Day is right around the corner! Check out our list for the Top Mother's Day Gifts of 2013.
- Clarisonic - If your Mom doesn't already have a Clarisonic, then definitely get her one! There are a variety of different kinds and colors to choose from, so she can show a little of her personality too!
- PMD Personal Microderm Device - Another special device that she's sure to love! Give her professional microdermabrasion results in the convenience of her own home!
- NuFace Facial Toning Device - Definitely a Must Have Item! The Nuface Toning Device is considered the absolute best product on the market. By using microcurrent technology, NuFace will tighten skin, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, decrease puffiness, firm and lift droopy areas, shrink pores, reduce acne, and even more, it is safe for all skin types and all ages, so you can't go wrong!
- LipToxyl Sheer Lip Plumper and GrandeLASH - LipToxyl Sheer Lip Plumper is an awesome plumper AND it comes in a ton of colors! A hot item at a great value! GrandeLASH is the perfect gift for the woman who wants thicker, stronger, and longer lashes. (What women doesn't?!) With breakthrough technology, you will see results between 4-6 weeks. It can also be used for eyebrows. Already a fan of GrandeLASH? Check out the new lash boosting Grande Mascara that's quickly become a Hot Seller!
- Basq Diaper Bag Gift Set - Do you know a Mom-to-be? Then this is the perfect gift for them! This stylish diaper bag has two large pockets on the front, plus a zippered area inside, and a cute striped changing pad. In addition, it comes with two amazing Basq products, the Basq Energizing Body Lotion and Basq Resilient Body Toning & Hydrating Oil. All Basq products are safe for mommy and baby - so she'll love it!
- Avene Sweet Essentials Gift Set - Does your mom have sensitive skin? Nothing is sweeter than this gift set! Featuring a mix of full and travel size products, this set will treat her eyes, lips and face. It also comes in a convenient gift box!
- TheraPearl Home Spa Experience! - This pack provides an at home spa experience including a Neck Wrap, Eye-ssential Mask, Soy Candle, and Hand Made Soap. Give her the gift of peace and relaxation - a true treat for anyone!
On a budget? No worries! You can always get her a
gift certificate so she can choose whatever she prefers!
iS Clinical does it yet again! They were recently featured in Marie Claire with three of our absolute favorite products.
In the edition, Marie Claire interviews aesthetician and spa owner, Mamie McDonald. Mamie has been working on a slew of celebrities skin for almost twenty years. A listers such as Beyonce, Jay-Z, and Eva Mendes (just to name a few) have entrusted Mamie with their skincare regime and often frequent her NYC spa. During the interview, Mamie raves about iS Clinical and states why she suggests these products to many of her clients: "I don't like anything heavy on my face, especially at night because I want my face to breathe. I interchange three iS Clinical serums, depending on how my skin is feeling. Pro Heal Serum Advance+ to heal inflammation; Hydra Cool Serum with hyaluronic acid for dehydration; and Active Serum with glycolic, kojic, and salicylic acids, to exfoliate and boost radiance."
iS Clinical Active Serum is literally a 3-in-1 since you can use it for acne, anti-aging, and hyperpigmentation. I have been a Active Serum guru for over five years now and I can't say enough great things about it. I use it weekly to keep my pores small, my skin tight, and for the occasional blemish.
iS Clinical Hydra Cool Serum is a fantastic option for oily prone skin, that still needs moisture, but not the clogged pores that so often come along with your traditional moisturizers. I love the serum because it is light weight, absorbs quickly, DOES NOT break me out, and rehydrates my skin perfectly.
iS Clinical Pro Heal Serum Advance+ is an amazing healing product. I can apply the product in the evening before bedtime and by morning the area is either drastically reduced or sometimes even completely done! It cuts down the healing time by at least half and often times even less!
Do not let the name intimidate you. With a few tools and a little practice, you can master this braid.
YOU WILL NEED:
LET'S BRAID!
- Flip your head upside down and using your Phyto Bamboo Paddle Brush, brush hair from nape to ends, making sure to untangle any knots. (If using dry shampoo, apply first to roots, giving a few minutes to massage in or dry if needed, then brush hair.)
- Next, from the nape of your neck, separate a section of hair into 3 equal pieces.
- Now the hard part time to French braid! Start by taking the left piece and pulling it over the middle piece, (so your left piece of hair becomes the middle piece). Next pull your right piece over the middle piece. Easy so far, right?
- Next, add more hair to the piece on your left. Pull all of this over the middle piece. Do the same with the right side, and keep using this process, gathering hair as you go, up to the crown of your head.
- Once you have reached the crown (the area where your hair meets on the top back section of your head; where you would put a high ponytail), gather your braid and secure with a small elastic ponytail holder. Give yourself a pat on the back for making it through the French braid!
- After pulling the rest of your hair into a ponytail with your braid, you can create your bun. Here you have got some room for creativity and personal style. Go with a messy teased bun for a carefree look or a chic ballerina bun for a more polished look. Secure the loose ends of your bun with bobby pins. Finish with your shine spray, and you are all set!
