Oh boy… I’m in trouble! I think I shop most enthusiastically for my children, and bath-time is where I tend to splurge most. Bath bombs, bubble baths, fruit-scented soaps… my little guys are spoiled rotten!
Naturally I was stoked to read that Lavanila has launched a new line of bath & body products for babies. “The Healthy Baby” line is available exclusively at Sephora, and contains chemical-free, vitamin-enriched products to pamper skin of all ages!
Products pictured (from left to right): LAVANILA Healthy Baby Butter 3oz $14, LAVANILA Healthy Baby Bottom Fragrance-free 3oz $15, LAVANILA Healthy Baby Wash $16, LAVANILA Healthy Baby Lotion Face & Body 7oz $15 and LAVANILA Healthy Baby Block SPF 40 2 oz $20.
Click HERE to check out the new line at Sephora.com
To celebrate this exciting launch, the two have teamed up and will be launching “The Happy, Healthy Baby Search” to find the first face of the Healthy Baby Collection.
To kick off the search, LAVANILA is holding an open casting call at Sephora 5th Avenue on May 14th from 2PM to 6PM. Parents are encouraged to bring their babies into the store to meet the founders/judges, have their entry photo taken and receive samples of the new collection. Plus, the first 50 parents to enter their babies will receive a Sephora gift card with a mystery value up to $100!
Parents who can’t make it to the casting call or live outside the NYC area can also enter online at Sephora.com/win/healthybaby until June 1st.
Let’s face it: most anti-bacterial hand-sanitizers smell like moonshine. Yuck! Leave it to Noodle & Boo to improve upon that replusive scent!
I scored a 2 fl. oz. bottle of Noodle & Boo Instant Hand Sanitizer during a recent shopping trip for only $1.75. The solution is infused with the signature Noodle & Boo powdery scent, making sanitizer application much more delightful!
Normal retail price for a 2 fl. oz. bottle is $5.50.
Click HERE to check it out at Noodle & Boo
I could probably field questions on bubble bath ALL DAY LONG. Seriously, I am a bit of a bath and body fiend. My “bath bar” is ridiculously overstocked with yummy-scented cleansing treats.
But naturally, when Woman’s World Magazine asked me to select one baby-friendly bubble bath, I had to whole-heartedly point their fabulous readers to California Baby. This brand was a godsend for my baby’s sensitive skin. It’s also a smart pick for allergic or allergy-prone children, as well!
Click HERE to check out the Woman’s World Magazine website for some fun giveaways… and do pick up the publication the next time you’re in a store!
Here’s something my newer readers may not know… When I’m not testing out the latest makeup collections, I’m a full-time Mommy to two beautiful, bouncing (and I literally mean bouncing) boys.
In my personal (but experienced) opinion, pregnancy is incredibly taxing on the body and spirit. If you are hunting for the perfect holiday gift for a Mom-to-be, or the precious newcomer, here are some terrific pampering gift ideas! Tuck one of these inexpensive gift sets under the tree, and be proclaimed a hero!
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Mustela has earned the reputation as a one-stop-shop for Mom and Baby for good reason. The company has been around for over 50 years! If you know a mom-to-be, Mustela’s “Pregnancy Program” is a great intro to some beauty products that make pregnancy easier on the body: Stretch Marks Double Action, Specific Support Bust, Instant Comfort Legs and Ultimate Hydration. Retail price is $22. Click HERE to buy it from Mustela.com. |
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Mama Mio was my personal “go-to” brand during my second pregnancy. Mama Mio’s ”Congratulations Kit” is a great way to celebrate the great news and treat Mommy like a queen. This kit contains: Tummy Rub Oil (to help prevent stretchmarks), OMega Super-rich Body Cream (a moisturizing treat that features the line’s divine Gravida signature scent) and OMega Shower Cream. Retail price is $55. Click HERE to buy it from MamaMio.com. |
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Moms know this shocking fact… “Baby” powder is, in fact, dangerous for use on babies! The tiny particles can irritate baby’s tender lungs. But if you love that familiar scent as I do, Noodle and Boo is the brand to choose. Noodle and Boo baby products smell exactly like baby powder, and come in the most beautiful nursery-worthy packaging! The “Special Delivery” set at left includes luxe bath-time treats: soft lotion, extra gentle shampoo, soothing body wash and a luxe washcloth for bathtime. The kit also comes with their (totally addictive) Ultimate Cleansing Cloths. Retail price is $35. Click HERE to buy it from NoodleandBoo.com. |
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You may not realize this, but many of the drugstore brands that come to mind when you think of bathtime for baby are simply not gentle enough for baby’s skin! I learned this lesson the hard way, when a popular baby wash caused my sensitive-skinned little one to break out in hives! Founded by a mother with a similar dilemma, California Baby offers gentle bath and body products for babies who are allergy-prone or have sensitive skin. The Calming Newborn Tote, pictured at left, retails for $19.99. Click HERE to shop CaliforniaBaby.com. |
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Founded by a doctor and his wife, Belli products take an analytical approach to skincare. They’re the perfect choice for a brainy Mom-to-be. Not only are the products allergy tested, but they are free of artificial dyes, fragrances, phthalates, and xenoestrogens (ingredients which can interfere with development of the reproductive system). The “Bundle of Joy” gift set, pictured at left, retails for a mere $14.99! Click HERE to shop the entire line at BelliSkincare.com. |
The author of Raging Rouge received press samples for purposes of this makeup review / product review. For more information on sample policies, please click HERE to read my full disclosure statement.
Before I had children, I thought any product advertised as good for baby… was. Big mistake! I learned the lesson when the products I bought for bathing my first child caused his sensitive skin to erupt in hideous hives!
Not all skins are as sensitive as my son's, but I use him as a litmus test of sorts. If it doesn't irritate him, it probably won't bother his brother (who, while younger, seems to have a bit of a tougher hide). Weleda's Calendula Care line passed the sensitivity test with flying colors.
The Calendula scent is divine, and is especially appreciated by this Mom, who ordinarily has to buy scent-free products for the kiddos. I love the way my babies smell after using Weleda's Calendula Care line! A type of marigold, Calendula extract is also known to reduce inflammation and soothe irritated tissue. Killer for diaper rash!
Here's a price list for you: Calendula Diaper Care retails for $11, Calendula Baby Cream retails for $10, Calendula Cream Bath retails $16, Calendula Face Cream retails for $10, Calendula Lotion retails for $13, Calendula Oil retails for $14, Calendula Shampoo and Body Wash retails for $10. Not sure if you want commit? The baby starter kit includes teeny-tiny versions of the entire Calendula collection.
Did you know a baby's skin is 5 times thinner than an adults? Crazy stuff! Just one of the very interesting facts I learned at the Weleda website. Click HERE to visit Weleda's Online Shop. Other retailers include Target and drugstore.com
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My kids have (unfortunately for them) inherited my predisposition toward dry skin. As a result, they need a healthy coating of moisturizer at least once a day.
Boys will be boys… and mine are–quite literally–bouncing. That’s where Mustela’s Spray Hydra Bebe has been a lifesaver. As I chase my precocious, ever-energetic three year old around the bathroom after his bath, I can spray him with this light moisturizer to lock in the hydrating benefit of his bath.
My son doesn’t complain about it being sticky (some moisturizers make his pajamas stick uncomfortably to his skin), and he has even become increasingly tolerant of the nightly moisturizing ritual as a result. Naturally, this just fuels my desire to further explore the world of Mustela Hydra Bebe!
Celeb watchers should know, Mustela products are loved by Gwyneth Paltrow, Debra Messing, Denise Richards and Tori Spelling.
Retail price is $13 for a generously-sized 6.7 fl. oz. spray bottle.
Click HERE to check out Mustela’s website. Other online retailers of the line include Sephora.com
and drugstore.com.
Your baby’s sensitive skin needn’t mean skipping the fun of a bubble bath, but many formulas available contain ingredients that irritate the skin of sensitive babies. Luckily, California Baby’s Aromatherapy Bubble Bath formula is as gentle as their body wash, and comes in both scented and fragrance free versions.
If your baby is normally sensitive to fragrance, don’t despair. The scents offered by California Baby are fueled by essential oils, not synthetic fragrances. So even sensitive babies (like mine) can handle it. This product is also free of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and DEA, ensuring it’s extra gentle for sensitive skin.
I love the scent choices so much, I can actually see buying these for years to come, even for my own use! The current collection includes: Calming (a French Lavender scent to induce sleep), Overtired and Cranky (tangerine, sweet orange and chamomile), Light & Happy (a personal favorite- a citrus blend that lifts the spirits), Colds & Flu (Douglas Fir and Eucalyptus– great for congestion), Chamomile & Herbs (Geranium, Sweet Orange and Chamomile) and I Love You (Ylang Ylang and Sweet Orange).
I recently sampled the "I Love You" fragrance with my little man, and loved the delightfully invigorating sweet scent. Nothing says "I Love You" more to a toddler than allowing bubble-blowing fun during bath-time with the two bubble blowing wands included in each bottle.
A 13 oz. bottle of California Baby Aromatherapy Bubble Bath retails for $12.50. A portion of the proceeds from sales of "I Love You" products are donated to Breast Cancer Research Programs! Click HERE to check it out at California Baby website.
I wish I had known about this ingenious product when my oldest son was a newborn. Luckily, my second son is benefiting from my new knowledge. I recently read that diaper rashes are caused when urine mixes with feces and turns into… Ammonia! Ammonia sitting on baby’s skin for too long spells disaster. To ensure he’s fully clean (and to even improve the smell of the skin post-poo) spray California Baby Non-Burning & Calming Diaper Area Wash on the skin after you’ve cleaned up the mess. Then dry the area. Good as new, and any remaining Ammonia residue is neutralized!
This brilliant product also has myriad off-label uses. Cleanse cuts on the playground, or even use it as a facial cleanser for yourself! California Baby truly appreciates a mother’s need for multi-tasking product!
The calming aromatherapy blend is plant based (no harsh chemicals here!) and contains the soothing scent of French Lavender. The formula is a blend of tea tree oil, calendula, witch hazel and aloe vera for cleansing and moisturizing. All are extremely gentle on baby’s delicate skin.
Check out this Diaper Area Wash for $10 on the California Baby website, or snag it at drugstore.com.
During a scorching hot day, I slathered my son with a waterproof SPF 50 that my husband and I both used. Hours later, my son developed a rash on his cheeks that lasted for days.
The solution for protecting the skin of sensitive skinned babies and toddlers is California Baby’s SPF30 Sunscreen. The active ingredient titanium dioxide protects baby’s skin and all natural ingredients selected for the most sensitive of skin will keep baby’s dermis from complaining.
My son has used the scented and unscented versions of this product, with great success!
A 2.9 oz. tube retails for $17.99 on the California Baby website. Or, click HERE to buy California Baby at drugstore.com
Everywhere you look are publications and advertising that attempt to glamorize pregnancy and motherhood. And we pregnant women, made insecure by the physical changes of motherhood, are all too easy prey.
Perhaps my personal favorite affront to the pregnant is the dreaded designer maternity jean… complete with a 34" inseam only suitable to be worn with stilettos. Oh yeah, I'm just dying to shove my bloated feet into a pair of stilettos right now! Please!
I'm halfway through my second pregnancy, and in my opinion there is really nothing less glamorous in the world. As a result, my version of pregnancy glamour is a bit different. Rather than torture my tired body in an attempt to look good, I embrace the changes in my body and indulge in soothing rituals and beauty routines that make me feel good.
A big part of this indulgence is Mama Mio Deluxe Skincare For Supermamas. Developed by three friends with experience in the skincare industry, Mama Mio debuted with Tummy Rub Stretch Mark Oil, a decadent moisturizer which was soon so popular the team launched an entire range of skincare products to prevent stretch marks, hasten the healing of scars, tone the skin, soothe aches and just help Mommies relax.
Mama Mio maternity skincare is formulated specifically for the pregnant. What does this mean? Not only will your skin be treated to what it needs to survive what Mama Mio refers to as the "nine month s-t-r-e-t-c-h", but you needn't fear that any ingredients would be harmful to your little one. Peace of mind is a wonderful thing, when you're already worried about everything else!
During my first pregnancy, I attempted to keep my skin soft and supple using popular cocoa butters available in any drugstore. Only issue was, the fragrance made me sick to my stomach! Mama Mio products smell absolutely heavenly. The signature scent is called "Gravida", which translates to "pregnant" in Latin. This scent is a carefully selected blend of 10 essential oils known to be beneficial to the pregnant among us (Mandarin Oil, Petitgrain Oil, Lime Oil, Lemon Oil, Neroli Oil, Orange Oil, Ylang Ylang Oil, Lavender Oil, Bergamot Oil and Grapefruit Oil). I am quite literally addicted to this glorious scent, and find that it helps me remember to moisturize!
I've had an opportunity to sample three products from the extensive Mama Mio line:
The Super-Rich Body Cream is an amazingly rich moisturizer, and utilizes Avocado Oil, Olive Oil, Evening Primrose Oil and Shea Butter to keep skin feeling soft and smooth.
Tummy Rub Stretch Mark Butter is an intensely concentrated moisturizer. It's formula is rich in Essential Fatty Acids to increase skin elasticity. I have my fingers crossed!
Boob Tube is a moisturizer designed to prevent stretch marks as breasts grow for nursing, and includes an anti-oxidant to keep skin firm and toned as they shrink when your work is done!
I'm so crazy about Mama Mio, I'll absolutely continue to use some of the products beyond pregnancy!
Tummy Rub Stretch Mark Butter retails for $35, Boob Tube retails for $38 and Super-Rich Body Cream retails for $26. What an amazing gift these super-rich treats would make for an expecting friend, or for yourself! Click HERE to head to the Mama Mio website.
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