If your Father’s Day shopping goes anything like mine it starts about 3 days before the holiday and consists of pacing through Sharper Image until you become so familiar with the products that you contemplate applying for a new job.  This year Shopping for my dad’s present was easier than ever.  While browsing for myself I happened to stumble upon some great Father’s day gift ideas.  I never thought that while searching for beauty products I would find anything for my dad, but I was pleasantly surprised.

The first item I came across was MICHAEL KOORS Eau De Toilette Spray for men.  Not only does the bottle have a sleek, manly look, but it smells great too.  My dad has been wearing the same boring cologne since I can remember.  I thought this would be a great opportunity to update his scent and why not do it in style with a trendy Michael Koors brand.

Source: Flickr User tomontoast

The next gift for dad that I discovered was a male daily essential set.  I know for a fact that my dad has yet to discover the world of smooth moisturized skin and I have a feeling he is not alone.  Too many men have no idea what they are missing out on.  This product is a must have for my dad and many dads alike.  I feel that it is my responsibility as a woman and his daughter to open his eyes to the comfort of moisturized skin.

My third finding was by far the best one.  I love my dad, but I have to admit he is a bit of a complainer.  Traveling is no exception.  He is always getting frustrated with putting his liquids in small containers and finding an organized way to pack everything.  I think I may have just found his solution.  The Menscience  travel kit that I purchased has everything from ear plugs to shampoo and the best part is the small travel bag that it all comes in.  This gift will ease the stress of traveling for my already frazzled Dad.

After my shopping frenzy was over, I felt so accomplished.  This was the fastest I was ever able to find a gift for my dad, and I found 3! For the first time ever the hardest part of choosing a present didn’t involve searching for one, but instead will be deciding which one to return.

The first report was yet another study on Bisphenol A, or BPA.  Several states, including California have tried to ban this proven hormone disruptor from baby bottles and children’s feeding products.  This is an issue I’m particularly passionate about, as there are now hundreds of studies showing that even very low levels of BPA are associated with a wide range of health conditions, particularly for infants and children.

The newly released study may help support the much-needed ban, as research found that BPA (often used in can lining) leaches into in most canned foods – 92 percent of products tested!  While we wait (and fight for!) federal policy reform, check out the Environmental Working Group’s tips to lower your BPA exposure:

Source: Flickr user Chiot's Run

1. Buy your tomato sauce in glass jars. Canned tomato sauce and pasta is more likely to have higher levels of BPA because the high acidity of the tomatoes causes more of the chemical to leak from the lining of the can.

2. Consume frozen or fresh fruits and vegetables instead of canned.

3. Purchase beverages in plastic or glass bottles.

4. Use powdered infant formula instead of ready-to-serve liquid. Studies have found that liquid formulas contain more BPA than powdered brands.

5. Think in terms of moderation. Instead of avoiding all canned foods, eat less of those that are high in BPA.

It’s definitely time to clean out the pantry!

As a mom, I know attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is on the rise and that there is not a clear reason why.  I was really intrigued by a suggestive new study that found a link between the increasing rate of ADHD and the pesticides in (non-organic) produce.

Researchers looked at urine samples from 1,139 kids age 8 to 15. The 119 who were diagnosed with ADHD also tended to have the highest concentrations of malathion (a commonly used pesticide) in their urine.  Children may be especially prone to the health risks of pesticides (and many other toxic chemicals) because they’re still growing and may consume more pesticide residue than adults relative to their body weight.

While the study is not conclusive, it should certainly raise a red flag to parents about chemical exposure in household items!  To lower you and your child’s risk, buy organic fruits and vegetables whenever possible and get rid of bug spray and other pesticides in your house and those you use on your lawn and garden.   If organic produce is not readily available or cost prohibitive, download the EWG’s Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 list of fruits and veggies that you should always buy organic (including celery, strawberries, and apples) and those that traditionally have less pesticide use and residue (onions, avocado, mangos)  Also, remember to always wash produce under running water before eating it.

Source: Flickr User Blackout14design

The third report, conducted by the EWG and the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, tested 17 well-known fragrances, including those represented by Jennifer Lopez, Miley Cyrus, Halle Berry and Britney Spears.  The study found 38 chemicals not listed on the ingredient labels but linked to adverse health effects (like reproductive damage, hormone disruption and allergic reactions), with the average fragrance containing 14 of these ‘secret’ chemicals.

Sadly, the FDA has not assessed the majority of these unlisted or ‘secret’ fragrance chemicals for safety and most have not even been evaluated by the safety review panel of the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) or any other publicly accountable institution.

The Fair Packaging and Labeling Act passed by congress in 1973 requires companies to list cosmetic ingredients on product labels but exempts fragrances.  So as consumers, we have no idea what or how many ingredients are used to create the ‘fragrance’ we see listed on the packaging.  I’ve avoided products with fragrance for the last several years, and I would encourage you to do the same!

When it comes to personal care, stick with natural products that are fragrance free or that utilize essential oils. Raw Natural Skincare Ambiaty Concentrated Serum features an amazing blend of ginger, tangerine, geranium and sage essential oils to give it a light, fresh scent, while the Ambiaty Daily Revitalizing Cream and Eye Treatment are absolutely yummy with anise, lime, vanilla, sweet orange and coconut. Event better scents than synthetic fragrances and all natural!

Reading these reports makes me both frustrated that our regulations are so still lax but also optimistic that the widespread media coverage will result in positive change.  In the meantime, be extra cautious about what you put in and on your body. Stay tuned for new updates!

Colorescience:  Sunforgettable Brush SPF 30

I love this sun care/skin care product for its application ease, light feel and portability- not to mention it has received the Seal of Approval from the Skin Care Foundation of America. It provides SPF in an easy brush applicator which is perfect for reapplying throughout the day. The Sunforgettable brushes come with or without color making it ideal for women, men and even children. You can stick one in your purse, your child’s backpack and don’t forget your husband’s golf bag!

PCA:  Protecting Hydrator SPF 25 – pHaze 7

A favorite among dermatologist and estheticians, this emollient moisturizer is formulated to provide extra protection from UVA and UVB rays. It absorbs quickly, is fragrance-free and leaves your skin feeling soft. pHaze 7 has also received the Seal of Approval from the Skin Care Foundation of America.  I love moisturizer with SPF because it’s a double duty skincare product- it’s easy on your wallet and makes practicing safe sun care effortless. If you use this every morning, you won’t ever leave the house forgetting to apply sunscreen. Stock up for summer now!

Kinerase: PhotoFacials Sun Damage Reversal System

I just started using this morning and evening regimen of skin care products to reverse the sun damage I have from spending my summers at the beach. So far, so good!  The 3 step process (exfoliating wash, daytime and evening moisturizer) uses Kinetin to attack wrinkles, hyper-pigmentation and uneven texture caused by UV exposure. A clinical study showed that 89% of users saw an improvement in only 4 weeks. I’m on week 2 and my skin does feel smoother. I really like how evenly the moisturizer goes on and how light it feels. I’m optimistic for the final results!

Spread the word and be sure to practice SAFE sun exposure this summer.

Courtesy of Flickr user kryten

As the temperature starts to finally go up (phew, I can defrost!), it’s time to swap out the winter clothes in the closet with the warm-weather ones, especially shorts, which are hotter than ever this year. But the question is: How can you make shorts work appropriate? Here are some tips for rocking short pants through summer:

-          If you work in a creative workplace, then thumbs up to shorts. If you’re a lawyer or have any other conservative workplace where suits are de rigeur, then shorts aren’t part of your uniform, unfortunately.

-          If you’ve left an extra layer of fur on your legs for the chilly winter months, it’s time to shave those puppies. Treat yourself to an eShave razor—it provides a clean, ingrown-free surface—and Whish Shave Crave shaving cream.

-          Treat shorts like a skirt. Would you wear a skirt that length to work? If so, then that shorts length is appropriate as well. And would you wear a skirt with tights underneath them or bare legged? Treat shorts with the same consideration.

-          Don’t let legs the color of calla lilies prevent you from letting your gams see the world. My latest obsession is Diana B.’s 60 Second Instant Miracle Tan – it’s so simple and gives a very natural looking tan.  You actually apply this sunless tanner in the shower: at the end of your shower, turn the water off, but don’t dry yourself; put on the provided gloves and slather the lotion everywhere you want to be tan; let it set for between one and two minutes and then rinse it off! (That’s right, the water activates the DHA tanning ingredients. With tanning that simple, there’s no excuse not to!)

Diana B

-          Find a length that’s flattering on your leg. Pretty much none of us should try the Lady Gaga leotard-like length. If you have nice, shapely legs, then you can go shorter. If not, try a longer Bermuda length. This longer short looks better with a pair of heels or wedges – a flat with Bermudas can make the legs look stubby.

-          If you wear shorter shorts, don’t wear an overly-revealing top; instead balance it with a blousier or more conservative top.

Image courtesy of Flickr user Sauna van Egmond

Sometimes I have salon or spa etiquette questions — like how much and who to tip — but one time I had a major beauty conundrum: what’s the etiquette regarding inappropriate touching at a spa?

Here’s what happened: I went to Burke Williams Spa in Santa Monica (which frankly has seen better days) and was booked with Bernard, who looked like Sayid from Lost. As the massage began, I kept feeling something firm hitting my body, which was just below Bernard”s waist level, if you get my drift. My mind began racing with thoughts of what I should do! Stand up and say “that’s enough of that mister!” Or just sit there and deal with it? I kept peering through the headrest hole to see if I could catch a glimpse of the offending jab, to no avail. So I decided, I’ll have the massage, hope it stops and say something to the manager afterward.

After the massage, I went into the lobby (with splotchy red face and wearing my tattered white robe and paper-thin slippers) and asked to speak with the manager, who I was told would be with me shortly. I waited, looking at the candle collection in the lobby, until the male manager arrived, boisterously inquiring how he could help me. In a low voice, so that the other customers couldn’t hear, I softly stammered out: “I just had a massage with Bernard and I think he was touching me with his penis.” That’s when the manager whisked me into his “office,” which was actually a storage closet for Kleenex and tampons.

I don’t know if it was the hormones released during the massage, some pent-up emotions or that I was really quite upset, but I started bawling — uncontrollable waterworks. The manager handed me a tissue (there were plenty!) and between sobs, I managed to tell him again that I kept feeling a firm object hitting me during the massage and… “Let me just tell you,” the manager gently interrupted, “that Bernard wears his massage-oil bottle on a belt around his waist.”

HUMILIATION.

“Oh, okay, okay, well if that’s all it was…” I stammered. He replied that he didn’t want me to feel like he wasn’t listening to my problem, but that was what I was feeling. I tried my best to quickly exit the closet while the manager told me he’d say something to him. While I was in the locker room after that, the female manager came to check on me (Jesus, people, are you rubbing it in? I’m fine. I’m embarrassed. Let it go. Move on. Check please.) So check indeed — when I left and stopped at the counter, I was charged the full $165 (yah, a one-hour massage ain’t cheap!) and was informed that they would like to extend me half off my next massage. (Such generosity after enduring an hour of is-he-poking-me.)

So in retrospect, I learned that if you aren’t comfortable in a massage (or any other treatment), it’s best to speak up from the get-go. Bernard is NOT a mind-reader, folks.

Recently my life changed when I joined a new club called “mommyhood”. Time management has taken on a whole new meaning and as cliché as it sounds: there are simply NOT enough hours in the day. Feeding, changing, entertaining, and holding your little bundle of joy leaves you without much time for a beauty regimen. To be honest, some days it feels like there is barely enough time to shower! Here are a few beauty product lifesavers that I’ve come to rely on day in and day out.

1. Oscar Blandi Dry Shampoo – I can’t think of any new mom who has time to wash her hair every day. For a busy or new mom, dry shampoo is the miracle hair care product! It absorbs excess oils and freshens your hair without the time in the shower. This is one hair care product I can’t live without.

2. Glowology – The Balm – with all the diaper changing, laundry and hand washing “mommyhood” requires your hands are sure to dry out. The natural alpha-hydroxy acids in The Balm, moisturize, soften and exfoliate even the driest hands. I love that among other great ingredients, it has organic shea butter, sunflower oil and aloe that .

3. Egyptian Magic All Purpose Skin Cream – This beauty product is the ultimate all-in-one skin care lifesaver! Some of its many uses are cuticle conditioner, lip balm, stretch mark treatment, scar solution, face moisturizer and eye crème. The list goes on and on since it’s antibacterial, non-greasy and toxin-free.

4. Frais Hand Sanitizer – l am not exaggerating when I say there is a bottle in every room of my house. I love that Frais doesn’t irritate my hands the way most other anti-bacterial hand sanitizers have in the past. The essential oils act as a moisturizer and are a key component in keeping my hands soft and germ free.

Another new mom lifesaver I’ve come to rely heavily on is on-line shopping. Luckily, all of these beauty products are available at glow.com!

Courtesy of Flickr user Alice.Fan

When it comes to fragrances, perfume, eau de toilette, eau de parfum, scented body lotions and body sprays, it can be a fine line of what’s work appropriate and what’s nauseating. I once had a boss who hated the smell of perfume and I unknowingly wore it to work; when I came into her office, she asked me in a discerning tone, “Is that perfume?” I got the hint — no fragrance allowed!

Alas, I no longer work for her, so I’m easing myself back into wearing fragrances, but wearing them strategically so as not to turn any business associates off. Plus, all of these are pretty enough to wear out or for brunch with the girls. And if you’re ever in doubt (like a job interview or an important meeting) then skip it – it’s not worth potentially offending anyone.

Here are my recommendations for fragrances that are great for work and play:

Marc Jacobs EDT Splash in Cucumber

It’s light, fresh and unless someone is offended by the smell of a spa, it’s universally appealing.

Juara Tiare Jasmine Fragrance Oil

This oil is long-lasting but not strongly-scented. Jasmine and gardenia seem to appease everyone when it comes to florals.

Morgane Le Fay Blue

This is what a walk in the French countryside should be – a light waft of Lily of the Valley.

Lisa Hoffman French Clary Sage

With linen and cotton components and notes of spice, herb and a little floral, this scent is soft, fresh and a bit earthy.

Memoire Liquide Satine

This beautiful line of fragrances is always soft and subtle, but come in romantic French flavors, like Satine – you’ll feel sexy all day long!

To all you other fine, fierce, fluffs, that want to float classy scents out on the airwaves, Lulu has some advice for you: Less is more.  Where the nose goes, the eyes soon follow and the scent of a lady is important.  That goes for a bouquet of roses, or a pile of dog shit.  So don’t be obvious, like poor old Lulu and keep your perfume light and classy.  Be subtle.  Keep it clean, with a touch of green. Here’s what I do:  On the right side of my neck, I spritz  a bit of Jo Malone Basil Lime & Mandarin.  On the left side of my neck, I spritz half as much of  Bulgari The Vert (Green Tea) or Miller Harris’ Figue Amere Eau De Parfum (this is another favorite of mine that you can use).  That’s Cartier’s killer combo.  And you know what girl?  It works.

flickr user: alasam

Can you believe Thanksgiving  is only 3 weeks away? With the holidays quickly approaching many people can feel their stress levels rising. You may not be able to avoid family, airport or long car rides over the holiday season, but here are some simple ideas that can help fight holiday stress. 

Give Yourself a Gift: Hurry and take advantage of all the great holiday offers out there. So many skincare/cosmetic brands create special holiday sets perfect for gift giving. Who says you can only buy them for a friend or family member? Treat yourself to special savings during the holiday season. Here are a few of my favorite kits.

gloMinerals – gloLuxe Beauty Collection (15 piece kit)  – This kit is a great value and has everything you’ll need for a complete makeup makeover. Plus, the case is a perfect travel companion.

Kevyn Aucoin – The Making Faces Collection Vol.1  – This kit is perfect for the makeup novice. It comes with all the basics and step-by-step instructions. Score!

Tarte Cosmetics – Sunglosses Set  – The denim case is absolutely adorable and can fit easily into any purse. The lipgloss shades are perfect alone or can be layered to create different colors.

 At Home Stress Relief:  One of my favorite ways to fight off stress is by taking a nice long hot bath.  Adding any of these bath products will enhance your bathing experience by helping you to relax and relieve stress.  The following fabulous bath products are all available on glow.com.

Me Bath – Bath Ice Cream (Café con Leche is my fave!)

Pevonia Botanice – Anti-Stress Bath & Shower Gel

Dermalogica – Stress Relief Treatment Oil

 Pamper Yourself:  Go ahead and splurge! Book a facial, massage or manicure – I give you permission or check out a local spa academy, you can get trained estheticians who are back in school to further their education.   You’ll be in better spirits and be a better hostess or guest because of it.

When, Where & Why:

Daily gentle exfoliation is good for all parts of the body. You may not realize it but you probably are already exfoliating; – like brushing your hair relieves scalp tension and removes dead skin cells from the hair follicle hence helping hair grown and tension. (I learned that one from my wonderful hair dresser -you know who you are!).  Exfoliating (also know as skin brushing) improves circulation and skin cell turnover which helps your body release toxins that might be building up in the blood stream or skin.  The more you exfoliate the faster your release the toxins through your body’s natural cleansing system.

A GOOD Scrub:

Places like your back, feet and hands tend to get neglected. Be sure to give them a good scrubbing. It will keep those areas nice and supple. Try a good sugar scrub for daily exfoliation – the sugar crystals are gentle and don’t leave a sticky residue.  My fave is Shower Sherbert by Me Bath. The brand has so many options for fragrance you can’t help but find one you love.

Quick tip for hands: Thanks to Allure Magazine for a great suggestion. Use a Microdermabrasion paste on the back of your hands to keep them looking radiant. My favorite is Microdermabrasion Body by Dr. Brandt.  The trick is to keep them moisturize as well, especially with the winter months approaching.

Don’t forget…

It’s important to note that some moisturizers and treatment products have ingredients that promote skin cell turnover, ingredients like Alpha Hydroxy Acids. When using these products be sure to be gentle to your skin and protect it with sunscreen daily.