Geisha by Aroma M Roll On Perfume Oils

By Kim Myers

The next time you purchase a perfume and want one that really last, try Geisha by Aroma M. These little concentrated oils are perfect for tucking inside your pocket and applying on the go. They are very long-lasting and all smell good. The packaging even resembles a Geisha type print.

Geisha “Rouge” (red) is the highly energetic one of the bunch. There’s no floral in this one folks yet it is highly steamy, spicy, and bold. Wearer should have a strong personality and awareness of self. This is great for autumn and winter. It reminds me of red hots and hot toddies. On my skin I really can detect the cinnamon, and the star anise lets the licorice odor come through bringing forth a striking combination. Notes consists of tonka bean, tobacco, vanilla, sandalwood, cinnamon, star anise (which gives it that licorice bump), and clove which is reminiscent of Christmas to me.

Geisha “Marron” (brown) is the newest scent of the bunch and is thought of as an autumnal scent considering its composition of chestnut blossoms, but is also reminiscent of spring due to the combination of mixed white flowers and brown musk. This is another fave I must say because not enough credit is given to “brown” fragrances that represent things such as overripe fruit or the edge of, as Aroma M describes, ‘seductive decay’. Think of fruits in items such as fruit cakes that must be fermented to get that perfect “smell” and “taste” or overripe plantains for frying to give off that perfect aroma. Yes, “Marron” stands on its own with notes of grapefruit, mandarin, bergamot, muguet, Japanese magnolia, and chestnut blossom (white flower).

Geisha “Blanc” (white) is the innocent one of the cluster. The wearer is immediately transported to a clean warm cozy laundered blanket fresh out of the dryer. It is layered in a soapy, powdery, simplicity. There’s nothing simple about it though. This is one of Aroma M’s best sellers and is one of the lightest and most feminine. Notes consist of lychee, jasmine, hyacinth, and ylang ylang.
Geisha “Noire” (black) is the perfect fragrance for a winter night. It is so distinguished and 1930’s. I feel like I should be wearing a cloche hat and platforms with a snazzy dress and a dark lipstick applied to lips such as “Sin Noir” by Julie Hewett. Noire is for the “diva”. Think “film noir” and the wearer is bold, beautiful, ravishing, and dressed to a T. It’s surrounded by seduction, mystery, and danger, which I suppose is why I like it so much. It reminds me of trouble. Notes consist of black amber, sandalwood, and tonka bean.

Next week I’ll finish up with the remaining four. Each of them is great for spring/summer wear and just as enjoyable as the former. All can be purchased at www.luckyscent.com.

Be Sweet to Your Feet – Foot Solutions for Dry Skin

During the winter months it’s cold outside and the air inside is dry heat. Both of these conditions can wreak havoc on your skin. Your feet should not be neglected just because you may not be wearing sandals the entire season.

In a milder climate where the air is not cold on a daily basis I like Sally Hansen’s “Cracked Heel Foot Lotion”. This is a fairly light cream that can be used just about any time and will produce desired results for feet that are a bit flaky and dry.

Going a step further to make feet even smoother, O.P.I.’s “Green Tea Scrub” is a great exfoliator to prepare the feet for O.P.I.’s “White Tea Massage” lotion for feet. Both products smell great and work well together. O.P.I. has always been a forerunner when it comes to manicures and pedicures. Both products are packed with anti-oxidants and will help repair skin damage.

Another product that works well for feet but, is not necessarily made specifically for the feet is the “Lush” massage bar called “Fever”. This is a bar for the body with a creamy consistency that is intended to be used for massages which is why it’s lightly scented with sandalwood, rose, and jasmine. I like to rub the bar onto my feet and put on a pair of socks and go. The bar is just light enough that you don’t feel greasy or moisture after applying (lush.com or 888-733-5874).

The best product I’ve found yet for the feet and hands is by Sheaterra Organics. This is probably most effectively used when it’s very cold or if you’re on your feet a lot and they take a beating. It’s not a product made for feet but, once again, it is great. “Frankincense and Myrrh” is my favorite. It’s almost solid in the jar but, once you start rubbing it the texture turns into a buttery consistency. Once applied, it’s best to put a pair of socks on for a few hours or overnight. This really helps to make the skin smooth. The only drawback for some may be the scent because it is very earthy and resinous which I quite like. The fragrance is woodsy and natural and can be used with the “Frankincense and Myrrh” body oil spray which is a bit on the sweeter side of woodsy. This African healing butter is deep penetrating and has been used for centuries for its healing properties. Both the body oil spray and shea butter are $12 each and will provide multiple usage because only a small bit is needed (sheaterra.com or 877-427-6627, b-glowing.com).

For further comments or questions you may visit tipsfromthemakeupgal.blogspot.com.

For the Man who wants the Year Round Tan

I recently had a gentleman inquire about how best to have a tanned “glow” in the winter months without having to get in the sun. First, it’s not a good idea to get in the sun at any time for purposes of getting darker, although sunlight is good for the body. Be sure to always wear an SPF of 15 or above when outside. Some of the best tanning products I would recommend for men are the same ones used on women. Essentially, the same product ingredient is in all self-tanners that gives the deepened glow. The option is whether or not you want to use a gel, mousse, cream, spray, or tan towelette.

Before using a self-tanner you must first wash and exfoliate the face and body to get rid of dead skin that may cause blotchiness when the tanner is applied. When skin is dry apply the tanner using a circular motion instead of up and down to avoid streaks. Stay away from elbows, knees, and ankles. Always wash hands thoroughly afterwards to avoid the “orange” hands look. Wait for the allotted time on the container before getting dressed.

If you are a beginner and are especially pale, I’d recommend starting out with a gradual daily tanning moisturizer such as “Jergen’s Natural Glow” or “Loreal Sublime Glow Daily Moisturizer”. These are my two favorites. These products can be used on a daily basis and one won’t see streaking or discoloration that doesn’t look abnormal. “Loreal” comes in fair and medium shades so it’s very hard to get too dark. The fragrance is a bit nicer than Jergens and it provides for a better color. What I like mostly is that it last up to a week. The Loreal Sublime also comes in a microfine mist.

My favorite self-tanning towelette is also “Loreal Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Towelettes”. These tend to cover the face and body nicely when applied evenly and also give a natural “glow”.
“Tan Towel” is another favorite towelette used by many and always gets good reviews. I know one woman who uses this religiously. I’ve used it before and you do seem to get more for your money due to the number of towels in a pack whereas, in “Loreal” you only get six. Tan Towels can be purchased through hsn.com.

One of the number one gel self-tanners is “Clarins Self-Tanning Instant Gel”. It is one of the best tinted gels and it gives a natural golden tan. Usually, Clarins will have samples of all their skin care and self-tanners available so go to a Clarins counter and ask for one at Dillards or Macys.

“Lancome Flash Bronzer” is another department store favorite. It’s a bit on the pricey side, but it is a good “mousse” self-tanner that is easily applied.

“Model Co. Tan Airbrush In A Can” is a very popular spray that many actors and actresses have made popular. I’ve not used this one but, it is rated highly.

A couple others worth trying are “Clinique Self-Tanning Body Mist” which is very fast setting therefore, allowing getting dressed easier and “Neutrogena Instant Bronze” which also provides for a quick bronzed glow.

Just a small hint for you men out there, PALE IS IN FOR MEN! Ever since all the hip about vampires and vampire movies that have been becoming so popular women are seeing pale as the new “sexy”. Don’t ask me why, I happen to like people the way they are supposed to look but, you know how it is when something new hits Hollywood. Pale is cool. There’s nothing wrong with the look as long as it’s not the deathly pale look as in “grey”.