One of the worst feelings to me is when my feet feel rough and dry. I have found a great product I want to share with all of you – Pedi-Relax ®.  The first thing that caught my attention is the fact that it is made with essential oils, such as tea tree, lavender, thyme, sweet almond, and sage. Pedi-Relax comes in a 3-piece set, which includes the Intense Hydrating Cream (for dry and damaged feet), Exfoliating Cream (to keep feet feeling smooth) and Protective Barrier cream (prevents blisters).

The steps are simple:

I keep the Exfoliating Cream in the shower, paying special attention to the calluses. If you have severely dry feet, you may want to use the product every day for up to three weeks, and then cut down to once a week. I try to exfoliate about once a week between pedis. The fresh lemon scent is so refreshing.

Next, you will apply the Intense Hydrating Cream, once again paying special attention to those drier areas. You will want to use the Intense Hydrating Cream at least twice a day. I apply it in the morning after my shower and then again before bed. I was really excited the first time I tried the Intense Hydrating Cream; not only did I love the citrus sent, but also the fact that the cream was not too thick. It was the perfect consistency for my liking.

The final product in this three-piece kit is the Protective Barrier cream. Apply this cream to your feet before putting on your shoes. It will coat your feet to prevent blisters.  The Protective Barrier uses the essential oil of sweet almond, which I thought would be sweet smelling; however, the sage scent overpowers the sweet almond scent. This one did not leave the fresh citrus scent as the Exfoliating Cream and Intense Hydrating Cream.

All products can be purchased at www.santeactiveusa.com

Photo Credit: Sante Active

I know the poor economy has caused a lot of us to cut back on certain pleasures in our life. Most people are staying home and watching television instead of going out to the movies. Others are carpooling to fight the fluctuating gas prices.

On the other hand, some people are taking a lack of concern in their health and refraining from purchasing prescription medications, which is a necessity for many .

According to the Center for Studying Health System Change in Washington, D.C., due to the increase in prescription cost, most of those who have chronic conditions (making it crucial to continue their meds) are not purchasing them because they simply cannot afford to do so.

But what can people still afford? Their vice! Despite the slow economy, Americans are buying more chocolate, alcohol, and cigarettes than they were before. In fact, it is predicted that Americans’ purchases of these small indulgences will go up 28 percent by 2011 and chocolate sales alone with go up four percent every year for the next six years. A projected $77.8 billion has been spent on alcohol purchases in 2008, which is a 32 percent increase from 2003 (According to Mintel, a media and market research company in Chicago).  In retrospect, most alcohol spenders are cutting back by drinking at home instead of going out; however, they are still consuming just as much as before.

These facts don’t surprise me in the least bit, and I must admit I am still spending money on alcohol (don’t tell my mother, it’ll break her heart). I am unwilling to give up certain pleasures in my life, but I have found a way to stop spending in other areas; such as the lack of a haircut in six months, the dollar store has become my best friend, my feet are seriously overdue for a pedicure, and Victoria’s Secret has forgotten who I am. However, I do not have a need for prescription meds. But if they were a necessity, you better believe I would cut down my spending even more than I already have. My life is more important than having cute underwear.

As this phenomenon perplexes me, I have a couple of questions to ask all of you: What are you cutting back on to make up for the poor economy? And what small indulgences are you still splurging on?

Photo Credit: Belaray Dermatology and My Fray, Your Blog

I’m a big fan of all things nail related. As a proud owner of strong nails that naturally grow quickly, I take great pride in having pretty finger and toenails. Whenever we get to try out a new nail product for Beauty Chat, I’m all over it. In this case, I was intrigued.

Barielle got its start making hoof conditioners for million-dollar racehorses, and over the course of their 30+ year history, ended up using an improved version of the formula to create a line of nail, hand and foot care products.

Personally, I liked the products I tried out. The Barielle Cuticle Replenisher with mango butter worked well and left my cuticles feeling soft and more smoothly shaped. It appeared to last a good while throughout the day and had a really nice smell to it, which wouldn’t make or break my decision on whether to buy the product, but was certainly an added bonus.

I also tried out the Barielle Shades nail polish in “Hidden Hideaway.” Don’t get me started on how much the name bugged me (aren’t most hideaway’s hidden!?!?) but the nail polish itself was great. I wasn’t particularly fond of the extremely strong scent that came with it, but found the polish to be thick and needed only one good coat to look nice and even. The polish lasted a good amount of time, about a week before starting to chip and peel, which I thought to be decent considering the fact that I did not use any sort of top coat over it.

A few of my fellow “Beauty Chatters” tried the products as well. Let’s take a look at what they thought:

Jacquie:
“I like the Barielle Nail Strengthener.  It is thick and absorbs quickly but I have not noticed a difference yet. The nail polish was okay, it dried quickly but it took several coats for full coverage and is really stinky, I had to open windows while applying.”

Dre:
“I was really pleased with the Barielle Ultra Speed Dry Manicure Extender.  I usually use a clear top coat polish on my nails and within a couple of days my color polish is chipped.  With this product I found my nail polish lasted days longer.”

Sara:
“The Total Foot Care Cream was intended for use two times a day, but I only applied it at night before I went to bed and then put socks on. I liked it because when I got up in the morning my feet would feel smooth and fresh. Over a couple days of use my feet felt smoother. I definitely want to try other products for foot care that Barielle offers. I loved the look of the Two Timing nail polish; it was a reddish, brown color, perfect for the holidays. The nail polish dried quickly, which is what I liked. I tend to become very impatient with nail polishes that take forever to dry. The polish didn’t stay on very long for me, but I do have a tendency to bite my nails. Overall, I was satisfied with both of the products I tried from Barielle.”

Now it’s time for you to tell us what you think about it! The first Beauty Chat visitor to post the correct answer to the following question in a comment below will win Barielle Nail Polish in 3 different shades (Date Night, Secret Encounter, and Misbehaving Mistress) and Barielle’s Nail Brightener-Natural Nail Enhancement.

What TV actress said the following quote?

“The ’80s were fabulous… There’s something that’s just so cute about that time. And not just yellow nail polish…”

Photo Credit: Barielle

My co-worker, Jana, and I attended My Healthy Life Expo in Newport Beach, Calif. Here’s a quick look at the some of the vendors I took notice of while walking around:

Verve Energy Drink- This is a great, refreshing, citrus energy drink. Verve is made with vitamins, minerals, organic green tea, and aloe.

MSM Health Solutions- They offered an excellent joint, muscle, and tissue support gel that is ultrapure and will remove inflammation in the tissues leaving you painless for eight to 18 hours. I really like the fact there is no smell or greasy feeling when applied.

Susan G Komen for the Cure- I got some great tips on breast cancer and was able to learn about the upcoming Race For a Cure that will be held on September 28, 2008, at Fashion Island in Newport Beach.

Z-ION Cleanse Detox Foot Spa- If you have not tried this, I suggest you do. You soak your feet in cold water for 30 minutes and the water starts turning colors as the toxins are released from your body. I have honestly slept very peacefully since receiving this treatment.

Well, ladies, after a few hours of browsing around and learning about new things, I have to say I felt really good and refreshed upon leaving the expo. I will keep you posted on the next My Healthy Life Expo; this is definitely something you don’t want to miss.

Photo credits: My Healthy Life Expo and Living Life to the Fullest

Ok, I know you have all seen the commercials, probably walked by it in the store, and I know you have asked yourself…does it really

work, it seems so gross? Well, I am here, as your resident foot snob, to say…YES!

The PedEgg ™ is FABULOUS! I tried it for the first time at my sister’s last month, and I have been hooked ever since. The PedEgg is super simple to use, and it really does make your heels soft and smooth.

With the rising cost of everything, I was in desperate need to find something to assist me in my at-home-pedis. Not being able to make it to my weekly pedicures, I had started to feel my feet get super yucky. They were getting dry and rough since I have been wearing my flip-flops all summer.

Well, not any more. I use my PedEgg ™ every other day and it is wonderful. Jacquie, also a Beauty Chatter, has tried it as well. Here are her thoughts:

“I use a pumice stone everyday but being a girl that hates shoes, my feet always feel rough and dry. Denice told me about the PedEgg ™ and my feet are now much softer and they feel lighter. I love it!”

I know you want to try it, so just do it! Let me know your thoughts, and not on the gross skin shavings…let’s ignore those!

Photo Credit: blog.asseenontvnetwork.com

Congrats to Denise Russell, who was selected to win the Gwendolyn’s Gate giveaway! And, just in time for summer.

The Beauty Chat crew loves that she has pedicure parties with her girlfriends!

Thanks to all who entered, and to Gwendolyn’s Gate for sponsoring the giveaway! As always, thanks so much for reading Beauty Chat.

Many of us Sex and the City enthusiasts are fond of the clever dialogue said throughout the six seasons of the iconic show – some of which just stuck. You might remember the words “Hello Lover” breathlessly uttered by Ms. Bradshaw. Well, this “lover” was handsome, irresistible and went by the name of Christian Louboutin.

Sarah Jessica Parker’s character is known for her effortless and daring sense of fashion that pushed certain style envelopes yet, more often than not, simply worked. More importantly, her taste for designer shoes was impeccable. Episode after episode, viewers would follow “Carrie” as she strutted down the streets of New York as if it was her own catwalk and without the slightest indication of pain. In the real day of a hardworking, on-the-go woman, this might not be so easy, not to mention every shoe has a time and a place.

(The fierce “Carrie Bradshaw”)

So I beg the questions: How do women walk with style and comfort, and how do they choose the right shoe for the right occasion? For this, I sought the advice of makeover guru, Eve Michaels. Do not mistake this woman as your hackneyed interventionist who adorns you with a new wardrobe and a visit to the spa, and ¡voilà! You’re beautiful inside and out. There’s more to her philosophy than knowing how to walk in your stilettos and deciding on the right pair of shoes for that monthly conference meeting at work – it is an attitude and lifestyle.

Michaels’ pegged WOW way of life involves a balance between “knowing that you are meant to beautiful and how to treat yourself.” She comments on the disconnection [many women face] between the various aspects of a woman’s being. Finding the harmony between mind, body, and spirit is important to exuding an attractive and satisfying female energy. One of the elements that Michaels highlights to be a significant part of a woman’s being is her sensuality. In the words of Napoleon Hills, as she references, “All creativity comes from a sexual magnetism and we must know how to harness that and exude it.”

(Eve Michaels)

Living this lifestyle, according to Michaels, is the foundation of giving your clothes the permission to be fabulous and take certain fashion risks. Being beautiful does not have to be tucked away during your eight-hour day at the office. For example, you can strut a Manolo pump with a 2 ½ inch heel and sport a suit tailored to your curves, while looking polished and professional. Michaels puts it simply when she says, “Men are tired of women trying to act like men.” In her terms, find a beautiful way to walk your man’s world. The basic formula behind this attitude? Know the shape of your foot, find the designers that work for you, and rest your weight on your heels. And, by all means, own it!

Be sure to read more on Michaels’ “Sex and the City Shoe Advice.”

Photo Credits: http://www.evemichaels.com/ and http://www.obsessed-hoopla.blogspot.com 

Beauty Chat resident foot snob here, with yet another fabulous foot find! I recently tried the best foot scrub ever. You all know I am a huge pedi-snob, and I will do anything to make my feet happier and prettier. So, I found this whipped peppermint foot scrub from Gwendolyn’s Gate.

Whipped peppermint foot scrub, you ask? YES, and it is awesome. With the summer months here, my feet really take a beating between my pedicures. From the beach to the pool, they are subjected to some harsh elements and they show it! My poor feet become so dry and worn out and I needed to find an affordable fix to treat my tootsies. According to her Web site, the foot scrub is: “A delicious delectable blend of cleansers with sea salt and peppermint essential oil. After using this blend, you will want to ‘Dance the Night Away’ as your feet are cooled and refreshed.”I would have to agree. Wendy Goudie, the owner, told me that it would smell good enough to eat, and she was right. It is amazing. The smell is wonderful and it massages your feet so nicely. After I had used it, my feet were so smooth and touchable.

Foot scrub is not all that Gwendolyn’s Gate has to offer. They have an array of body products that are wonderful, including:

Gwendolyn’s Gate’s Chrysalis: Skin Care Products make you look and feel beautiful from head to toe.

Body Cream: A soothing blend of goat’s milk, honey, and shea to be used as both a hand and body cream. You will be amazed at how silky smooth your skin will feel.

Body Polish: Made with mild cleansers and gentle salts to exfoliate and revitalize your skin by removing dead skin cells, allowing moisturizers to penetrate deeply into your skin. Your body will feel refreshed, revitalized, and silky smooth.

French Green Clay: Our French Green Clay is in its purest form to be used as a facial mask. Known to be the world’s finest clay to assist in the anti-aging process. Also, this clay will help even out your skin tone, tighten your pores, and increase circulation to your skin’s surface.

And much…much more! I highly recommend checking out Gwendolyn’s Gate, it has a fabulous line of body care products! Thanks, Wendy, for sharing with me!

P.S. Wendy wants to share her fabulous products with a lucky Beauty Chat reader! Just tell us what you do to relax at home when you’re on a budget, and we will choose the best answer! The winner will receive a bundle from Wendy and Gwendolyn’s Gate! Contest ends July 14th.

Photo Credit: Gwendolyn’s Gate

I have been active in sports my entire life, so when I heard about MISSION Product ™, I was excited to try out their skincare products. Just released in May of this year, the line boasts a lineup of hard-hitting athletes involved with the innovation and development.

With supporters such as Steve Nash (two-time NBA MVP), Mia Hamm (Olympic gold medal soccer player), and Gretchen Bleiler (pro snowboarder, three-time X Games gold medalist), it’s hard to not to take notice.

According to Nash: “I’m really proud to be a founding athlete with MISSION Product. I use all of our first five products and they are outstanding.”

These products include:

• MISSION Sunscreen SPF 30: Greaseless, oil-free UVA and UVB protection
• MISSION Lip Protector SPF 20: Prevents moisture loss and provides UVA and UVB protection
• MISSION Anti-Friction Cream: Helps prevent chafing and discomfort due to skin-to-skin (or skin-to-gear) contact
• MISSION Foot Gel: Rejuvenates hot, tired feet following sporting activity
• MISSION Revive Gel: Aloe gel designed to revive skin after sun or wind exposure

Last week, after my softball game, I tried out a few of the products, including the Foot Gel and Revive Gel. I immediately noticed that while this is a skincare line, it’s very unisex. There aren’t strong girly scents associated, so males can feel comfortable using these products. The foot gel did have a mint smell, but it isn’t overdone.

Both of these items are fortified with vitamins, which may have been the cause of the “thick” texture that they provide. Despite the initial reaction that I had to the feel of these gels, I soon took notice that my skin became much softer.

Cleats are never good on the feet (especially after a pedicure!), so the fact that the foot gel was able to transform my rough feet back to the velvety feel that I strive for was a huge plus for me.

Some awesome facts about MISSION Products — the skincare is free of preservatives and irritants, and is animal cruelty-free. Additionally, the brand supports several charitable organizations located across the world and is dedicated to various causes.

MISSION Product is available at Foot Locker, Lady Foot Locker, Champs Sports, and others, including their Web site.

Photo Credits: MISSION Products

Congrats to Girl-Woman-Beauty-Brains-Blog, who was selected to win our “foot facelift” prize from “Do your Feet Lack Bling?” Just in time for summer, this lucky lady will receive a Pedi kit, toe ring and a crystal glass nail file from our friends at Barefoot Bling!

Want to win fab freebies for yourself? Be sure to enter Beauty Chat’s contests!