On Wednesdays I blog about Travel, Fashion or Health/Beauty.  Once or twice a month I try to focus on my favorite Health/Beauty finds, such as the one I’m writing about today.

Insomnia is not my friend.

As someone who has suffered with Fibromyalgia for the past 10 years, lack of sleep means additional pain.

After trying just about every cure for my insomnia, with mixed results, I finally discovered something that works consistently.

Relax Deep by Aromatherapy Associates doesn’t just relax me, it practically knocks me out.

I put 2-3 capfuls in the bath.

The recommended amount is one capful.

After a 20 minute soak, I’m ready for bed.

I first found out about this when a massage therapist on Necker Island used it  during an evening massage.  She warned me it would knock me out, but truthfully I was skeptical.

The next morning I promptly bought 4 bottles.

If you, or anyone you love, has sleeping issues. I highly recommend trying this.  The Road Warrior has also had luck just applying it his pressure points and inhaling deeply before bed.

Although that method hasn’t personally worked for me, maybe it will work for you?

 

This is an independent review. No samples or compensation was received.

 

I often get asked about my favorite beauty products, so I’ve decided to start sharing my  favorite new finds or long time favorites with you each month.

 

A Healthy Deodorant

 

This month I was really excited to try Lavanila Laboratories Vanilla Passion Fruit Healthy Deodorant ($18). I am always on the search for a natural deodorant that can keep me feeling cool and confident.  What I like about Lavanila’s deodorants is that they contain no aluminum, petrochemicals, phthalates, Propylene glycol, mineral oils, silicone, synthetic dyes, sulfates, or parabens.   However, the true test of any deodorant is whether it works.  If you’ve ever tried to move to an all natural healthier alternative you’ve probably encountered a few deodorant failures of your own.  It’s not pretty. 

Although a touch up of deodorant was required on my more active days, one application did carry me through on less active days. I think I’ve finally found my healthy deodorant—and it works!

 

A Fragrance with Natural Aphrodisiacs

 

Also from Lavanila Laboratories is the  Vanilla Passion Fruit fragrance ($58) with Natural Anti-oxidants.  According to the box, “This love-attracting fragrance is infused with a romantic blend of natural aphrodisiacs”  which makes it the perfect fragrance to try for Valentine’s Day!

I don’t usually switch up my fragrances too often.  I’m more a  fan of the  ‘signature fragrance’  (the one you are known for always wearing) but I did find myself switching it up this month with the Vanilla Passion Fruit fragrance.  I have to admit it was fun to try something new and it did get the Road Warrior’s attention.

 

An end to dry legs!

No one likes to have dry lizard legs, especially if you live in Florida where shorts are worn year round.  For most of my life I’ve used body lotion to try to combat my dry skin.   The O Mega body Oil from Mama Mio is applied to slightly damp skin, right out of the shower!  It’s a healthier alternative to lotions because it contains no carriers or emollients.

The body oil contains:

• Sweet almond oil (full of Omega 3, 6, 9) which is highly moisturizing and absorbs quickly without a greasy residue.
• Jojoba Seed oil (closest to your skin’s own sebum) is rich in Omega 3 and is helpful for healing and maintaining a healthy appearance.
• Argan oil (one of the rarest oils in the world) helps to nourish, moisturize and improve skin’s elasticity.
• Safflower Seed Oil rich in Omega 6) is super-moisturizing and also helps to improve skin elasticity and strength.
• Vitamin E is a natural healer and excellent antioxidant.

I love that I can use this in place of body lotion.  After using the O Mega Body oil ($35) my skin doesn’t seem to dry out as quickly as before and my skin looks and feels amazing.   Don’t be afraid of the word OIL—it’s really not greasy.

 

A way to extend that blow-dry

 

I’ve been a subscriber to GLOSSYBOX  for three months now.  Although I’ve liked many of the products I’ve received,  the Living Proof Prime Style Extender ($20) is by far my favorite new find.

It generally takes me an hour and a half to blow dry my hair so anything that will extend my time in-between blow dries gets my attention.  Not only did the Prime Style Extender help my hair last longer between blow dries, but it looked and felt great too!

I truly think every girl needs to have this in her bathroom! As any hair stylist will tell you,the longer you can go between washes, the better that is for your hair…

 

 

Have you tried any of the products I’ve written about this month?  I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments.

Smudge Sticks are waterproof eye and lip pencils that go on smooth and creamy.  You won’t believe the silky texture they have on application.  It’s almost like drawing with a pastel crayon.

Since my make-up skills are basic (at best) I didn’t get as creative with the smudge sticks on my eyes as someone a little more skilled probably could. However I did like using them for a smokey eye for date nights with the Road Warrior.

My favorite application is using them as a lip pencil. I actually used the smudge stick on my entire lip as a base and then added a bit of gloss (sometimes) on top.  By doing this my lips kept color for most of the day.  Even after kissing my kids constantly throughout the day.

 

Favorite colors for eyes:

Cleopatra Black

Slate

 

Favorite colors for lips:

Whisper

Golden Plum

Prose