Sharnell Skincare » Reviews

Shaun T. Hip Hop Abs – Last Minute Abs 5 Minute Workout Review

Sharnell — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 01:41:24 +0000

Last Minute Abs 5 Minute Workout is another Hip Hop Ab workout by Shaun T. that is the perfect solution for anybody who is looking for a quick, but effective abdominal workout. In only five minutes, your body will be moving fast to the popular hip hop tune “Yeah” by Usher. Shaun T. will get your whole body working, but with special concentration on your abs. If you need to squeeze in a fast workout that you can easily get done before heading out for the day, then this is the workout that not only will fit into your schedule, but will leave you with fantastic results!

As with the other Hip Hop Abs workout routines by Shaun T., you will be engaging in Shaun’s revolutionary Absolute Engagement technique of tilting, tucking and tightening your abs and body to an ultimate lean and ripped condition, without ever doing a single sit-up or crunch! Instead, Shaun T. will have you working out to basic hip hop dance moves with tons of Shaun T. flava! Not only will the good music keep you pumped up, but Shaun T. will keep you feeling motivated the entire workout, even when you think you’ve had enough.

Shaun gets your five minute ab workout started with about one minute of his “Rollin Extreme” dance move. This will get your body warmed up by moving your arms and legs while squeezing in a bit of what I like to call “standing crunches”. Next, you will spend about another two minutes working on each side of your obliques with the “Flo-biques” dance move. By this time, you are sure to start breaking a sweat. Following the oblique workout out, you will move on to the “Hammer Time” hip hop ab workout. Spending about a minute on each side, Shaun will have you doing forward and side leg lifts, including a good 25 seconds of pulses – ouch! If you can make it past this point without falling over, give yourself a swift pat on the back and quickly move on to the “Supa Flava Hoop”. This will lead you into a series of moves such as the “Superman”. Finally, you will spend the last 40 seconds or so slowing your heartrate down. This quick ab workout will have you feeling the groove while working your abs to that hard core six pack.

>> GET HIP HOP ABS WITH SHAUN T.
(includes free access to online workout tools and community support)

Did you enjoy learning Shaun T.’s dance moves so much that you want to learn more? Then keep your ab workout going with Shaun T.’s Learn to Dance, Last Minute Dance also included in the Last Minute Abs DVD. Shaun and his girls will keep you moving and sweating with more dance moves like the Step Tap, Grapevine, Three Step Turn and even the “Shaun T. Move”. It is loads of fun, but also still a great workout. In addition, you can end your entire workout session with some great stretches with Kathy Smith’s Project You bonus workout. You can stretch your tired muscles and improve your flexibility and posture with Kathy’s Yoga Flex. It is the perfect ending to an incredibly fast, fun and effective ab workout.

Hip Hop Abs includes these 4 routines:

Secrets to Flat Abs: Shaun’s exclusive training techniques target your upper abs, lower abs, and obliques while you burn fat. (13 minutes)
Fat Burning Cardio: Burn calories and shed fat with hip dance moves and hot music. (30 minutes)
Ab Sculpt: More signature moves to get you the six-pack you’ve always wanted without a single sit-up or crunch. (25 minutes)
Total Body Burn: A head-to-toe workout that combines cardio and total body sculpting with even more ab-defining moves. (45 minutes)

You also get a step-by-step nutrition guide and 30-day workout calendar.

Bonuses are also included with Hip Hop Abs:

Hips, Buns, and Thighs: Lift and firm those stubborn problem areas. No more boring squats and lunges—get back into your skinny jeans FAST! (25 minutes)
Results on the Run diet guide: You can still eat at your favorite fast food restaurants, guilt free!
6-Day SlimDown: Lose up to 6 pounds in your first week!
Measurement card & tape measure

>> GET HIP HOP ABS WITH SHAUN T.
(includes free access to online workout tools and community support)

Review of Hip Hop Abs – Hips, Buns and Thighs with Shaun T.

Sharnell — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 23:54:51 +0000

It should go without saying that leading a healthy and active lifestyle will help to promote both your inner and outer beauty. This and the fact that I am still sporting my post-baby body inspired me to try out a new type of workout. I needed something fun, motivating and flexible with my busy schedule. My goal is to strengthen my abs while also addressing my lower-body problem areas. So how can I get my abs flat while getting my hips slim, thighs trim and booty lifted all at the same time? Three words – HIP HOP ABS with Shaun T!

I cannot stress enough just how exciting Shaun T’s Hip Hop Abs fitness program is! With Shaun T’s Hip Hop Abs – Hips, Buns and Thighs, you will tilt, tuck and tighten your way to flat abs and killer hips, buns, and thighs! It is so much fun knowing you are getting a great workout while doing Shaun T’s Hip Hop moves like “the freak” and “drive the car”. You will not be bored with the same old lunges, squats, sit-ups or crunches when you are hip-hopping it up with Shaun T! I started my Hip Hop Abs workout program a few days ago and I am already feeling the pain! But it’s like I always say, beauty is pain. So bring it on!

>> GET HIP HOP ABS WITH SHAUN T.
(includes free access to online workout tools and community support)

Hip Hop Abs includes these 4 routines:

Secrets to Flat Abs: Shaun’s exclusive training techniques target your upper abs, lower abs, and obliques while you burn fat. (13 minutes)
Fat Burning Cardio: Burn calories and shed fat with hip dance moves and hot music. (30 minutes)
Ab Sculpt: More signature moves to get you the six-pack you’ve always wanted without a single sit-up or crunch. (25 minutes)
Total Body Burn: A head-to-toe workout that combines cardio and total body sculpting with even more ab-defining moves. (45 minutes)

You also get a step-by-step nutrition guide and 30-day workout calendar.

Bonuses are also included with Hip Hop Abs:

Hips, Buns, and Thighs: Lift and firm those stubborn problem areas. No more boring squats and lunges—get back into your skinny jeans FAST! (25 minutes)
Results on the Run diet guide: You can still eat at your favorite fast food restaurants, guilt free!
6-Day SlimDown: Lose up to 6 pounds in your first week!
Measurement card & tape measure

Plus, Learn to Dance with Shaun T— you actually get 3 more fun-filled workouts!

Take It to the Dance Floor
Hip Hop Groove
Last Minute Dance

>> GET HIP HOP ABS WITH SHAUN T.
(includes free access to online workout tools and community support)

Loreal Paris Skin Genesis

Sharnell — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 19:36:19 +0000

Now that I am a mother of two, it has become imperative that I find skincare products which I can easily get my hands on and that will not break the bank. This is why I was excited to discover and try out the Skin Genesis skincare line by Loreal Paris. Before starting my new skincare regimen consisting of the Loreal Skin Genesis Daily Moisturizer Oil Free Lotion and Treatment Serum Concentrate, I did a little bit of research on the products. Not only did I find several conflicting reviews, but I also learned that both products contain a few questionable ingredients. As a skin care specialist, I am very wary of certain ingredients in my skincare, such as alcohol, etc. As it turns out, both the moisturizer and serum include alcohol and at least one other ingredient that could be considered “comodegenic” or pore-clogging. However, with Loreal having such a great reputation in the beauty industry, I thought I’d give the products a shot anyway.

After faithfully using both the Skin Genesis Daily Moisturizer Oil Free Lotion and Skin Genesis Daily Treatment Serum Concentrate for several weeks, I discovered one thing for was sure. My skin was thirsty for water! While both products have a very smooth and lightweight consistency, which I normally prefer, my skin was left feeling very tight. Unfortunately, neither of these products offered my skin a sufficient amount of hydration. I also found the serum’s fragrance to be a bit strong. On the upside, it didn’t appear that the fragrance bothered my skin at all. Another pro is that I did enjoy the texture of the serum and found that a little went a very long way. In the end, I didn’t see a huge difference in my skin’s overall appearance nor did I feel a great improvement of it’s condition. However, I can definitely appreciate the fact that my skin did not experience any irritation or breakout.

All in all, I would recommend these products for a younger skin type that doesn’t have any real concerns. It is a great line to keep healthy skin on the right track. However, if you are looking for an anti-aging or anti-acne product that will produce immediate or dramatic results, then neither of these products would work for you.

Juice Beauty, Organic Skincare

Sharnell — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 09:00:08 +0000

I recently discovered Juice Beauty while browsing the all natural skincare lines on skinstore.com. I was impressed by more than a few of their products and decided to give a couple of them a try. With the changing climate, my skin began to also change a bit and I felt the time was right to switch from a cream to a gel cleanser. Since I am now five months pregnant, I really wanted to stick with something as natural and organic as possible.

Unlike most organic skincare lines which use a water base, all Juice Beauty products are made with a 100% certified organic juice base. This organic juice base is up to 50% higher in antioxidants and nutrients than non-organic juice also and surpasses the benefits of a water base by more than a mile. Juice Beauty products not only contain powerful antioxidants, but also offer age-defying ingredients such as polyphenols, hydroxy acids, DMAE, alpha-lipoic acid and coenzyme Q10. In addition, Juice Beauty products helps to create beautiful and glowing skin with exceptional ingredients like vital phytonutrients, Vitamin C and essential fatty acids and vitamins.

For the past two weeks, I have been using the Juice Beauty Green Apple Cleansing Gel and Juice Beauty Green Apple Antioxidant Moisturizer. So far, I love them both! The texture of the cleanser is fantastic. It is a gel base, but doesn’t get foamy. Even so, my skin is left with a nice and fresh feel after cleansing, minus the tightness. The moisturizer is perfectly light and gives my skin just the right amount of moisture and hydration. Overall, my skin feels soft and smooth and has a much brighter complexion. I definitely plan on using the Juice Beauty products throughout the summer. I eventually want to also purchase the Juice Beauty Green Apple Nutrient Eye Cream and Juice Beauty Green Apple Hydration Mask. I look forward to using the entire Juice Beauty Green Apple line and can’t wait to tell you all about it!

Oh, and I forgot to mention, with any purchase of $75 or more of Juice Beauty products, skinstore.com will send you a free travel size of the Juice Beauty Green Apple SPF 15 Moisturizer!

Elizabeth Arden Mediterranean Breeze Limited Edition

Sharnell — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 09:00:24 +0000

I have found my summer must have! When it comes to perfume, I only go for very light fragrances. I can be particularly sensitive to perfume, especially my skin. There are very few perfumes that will not cause my skin to break out in eczema. Fortunately for me, this new discovery can be added to the list of my skin and allergy-friendly fragrances.

I’ve been shopping around, being very selective, but have finally found the perfect scent for this summer. Elizabeth Arden’s Mediterranean Breeze is a warm, crisp, sweet and most importantly, light fragrance! I absolutely love it! My husband really likes it as well, which is a rarity. He is even more sensitive than I am to fragrances, sometimes even being overwhelmed by the scent of my shampoo and conditioner! The fragrance of Mediterranean Breeze has both a fruity and floral touch, without being too strong either way. Here are the key notes of Elizabeth Arden’s Mediterranean Breeze:

Top: White Nectarine, Bergamot, Sparkling Grapefruit
Middle: Corsican Violet, Wild Jasmine Petals, Sweet Almond Flower
Base: Cedarwood, Creamy Sandalwood, Sensual Skin Musks

If you are not a big perfume buff, then you are in luck. Elizabeth Arden Mediterranean Breeze also offers a body shimmer powder. The Mediterranean Breeze Shimmer Powder with Puff is excellent for any occasion, but especially for a night out on the town. The shimmer powder will give your skin a beautiful radiance with a soft scent. Elizabeth Arden seems to be making a comeback this season. Mediterranean Breeze Limited Edition should definitely be added to your beauty shopping list for this summer.

Get Silky Smooth Skin with La Source

Sharnell — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 03:22:52 +0000

My hands were so dry they looked and felt awful! I’ve tried so many creams and scrubs but nothing really helped. So when I walked by a Try-it demo at the Crabtree & Evelyn store, I just had to check it out!

Now I was skeptical for sure but the moment I applied the scrub to my hands and wrist area, I could feel the difference already! I massaged the La Source exfoliating body scrub into my hands for a couple of minutes and was hooked! After a quick rinse, I slathered on some La Source Hand Recovery cream and my hands were actually silky smooth for the first time in ages!

I’m not an impulse buyer so I told the store clerk I would return later. And I did, with a friend that I met up with for a little clothes shopping at H&M. Well, my friend, who also has super dry skin, tried the La Source body scrub. We were both hooked!

We both tried out a few more products and wanted to buy them all! I was so impressed by how the CRABTREE & EVELYN, LTD. La Source Exfoliating Body Scrub make my hands so smooth and silky feeling. Plus they just felt better!

We ended up buying the La Source Exfoliating Body Scrub and I could not wait to get home and try it out. My skin is so dry but the La Source body scrub make it look and feel so much better – really soft and smooth. Just massage into your skin with your hands or a wet sponge cloth. You will feel the difference right away!

So if you are suffering from the rough, dry skin blues, try out La Source exfoliating scrubs. They are amazing!

This creamy body scrub is blended with fine pumice, refreshing peppermint and emollient oils. It really leaves dry skin feeling soft and smooth.

Twice a week treatment
Exfoliates, smoothes and conditions dry skin

Get your own CRABTREE & EVELYN, LTD. La Source Exfoliating Body Scrub.

Dermalogica or SkinCeuticals? Part Two.

Sharnell — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 18:50:44 +0000

It has been a little over two weeks now since I received and began using my new SkinCeuticals skincare products. So, what’s the verdict, you ask? Here it goes…

Dermalogica Essential Cleansing Solution vs. SkinCeuticals Cleansing Cream

These two cleansers are very similar in many ways. They both have a nice and creamy texture and offer a very gentle and smooth cleanse of the skin. They are great for winter skin because of the moisturization they provide. One difference between the two is that the SkinCeuticals cleanser uses AHA extracts, while the Essential Cleansing Solution does not. There is also a slight natural fragrance to both products, with the Cleansing Cream having more of a citrus scent. I would have to say my vote on this one is… a tie!Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner vs. SkinCeuticals Revitalizing Toner

Again, these two products are very similar. Both toners leave my skin feeling incredibly hydrated and refreshed. However, there are some differences in their ingredients that will offer your skin slightly different results. For instance, SkinCeuticals Revitalizing Toner has more ingredients that help to brighten the skin’s tone, while Dermalogica’s Multi-Active Toner concentrates more on soothing and conditioning the skin. I actually love both of them, but I will continue using the SkinCeuticals because I like the AHA extracts which aid in keeping my skin’s texture smooth and bright. That’s one for SkinCeuticals!!Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream vs. SkinCeuticals Daily Moisture
I immediately noticed a difference in the texture of these two moisturizers. The Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream is a bit heavier, which is not necessarily a bad thing. If you need a little more moisture than not, than the Skin Smoothing Cream is a better choice. However, if you prefer something lighter, but with same benefits, then the SkinCeuticals Daily Moisture is the right one for you. Both moisturizers contain essential oils, which are completely healthy and non-comodegenic, so you will get the moisture necessary to keep your skin hydrated. When it comes to packaging, I definitely prefer Dermalogica. I like the convenience of a squeeze bottle versus a tub in which you have to use a spatula or clean finger to scoop up product. I just don’t like sticking my fingers into product… it’s a personal preference. So based on all of these factors, I would probably use the Skin Smoothing Cream during the fall and winter and then switch to the Daily Moisture in the spring and summer. I guess this one is a tie as well!Overall, I really like both Dermalogica and SkinCeuticals. Of course, I still have a special place in my heart for Dermalogica and will probably always have a preference for their product, but SkinCeuticals has definitely found a friend in me. If you are an avid Dermalogica user, I highly recommend trying out some SkinCeuticals skincare. Sometimes our skin needs a change, even if it’s just a slight change. And if you are afraid to venture out to find new product, then use me as your guide and test out my recommendation for SkinCeuticals. I am certain that you won’t be disappointed!

Is Proactive Acne Treatment Right for You?

Sharnell — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 14:29:14 +0000

Many people of all ages struggle with embarrassing and unattractive acne. Acne starts with a hair follicle that is full of dead skin cells, bacteria, and oil. These materials collect overtime, invisible to the naked eye, and as they collect the area becomes inflamed. This is the cause of a pimple or open comedo. Proactive Solution Skincare is an excellent way to help eliminate, prevent, and heal acne. Proactive is an innovative acne treatment that helps millions of people. With Proactive acne treatment, most all acne-related problems can be easily solved.How Does Proactive Solution Skincare Work?

Proactive uses a form of combination therapy that attacks and disposes of acne. The combination therapy includes the Renewing Cleanser, Revitalizing Toner, and Repair Lotion. With the introduction of these three skincare products to your skin, acne stands little chance of reappearing on your face ever again. The Renewing Cleanser exfoliates your skin and opens up the pores to help the Benzoyl Peroxide, a key ingredient to fighting acne, to penetrate your skin. The Revitalizing Toner helps to remove the accumulation of dead skin cells in your pores, providing further deep cleansing of your skin. Finally, the Renewing Lotion, also containing Benzoyl Peroxide, continues to destroy acne causing bacteria while offering your skin the comfort of moisturization.

Proactive Solution Skincare also offers other great acne treatment products. The Refining Mask assists the skin in balancing the production of sebum. This will help to prevent the formation of blemishes. The Proactive Oil Control Lotion partnered up with any of the other Proactive Solution Skincare products will help to ensure that your skin will stay shine-free. The Proactive Renewing Cleanser, Revitalizing Toner and Repair Lotion are recommended to be used twice a day, morning and night. The Refining Mask need only be applied when a breakout occurs or to help absorb excessive oiliness of the skin.Consistent use of Proactive skincare will help to ensure that your skin is able to fight off acne quickly and efficiently.

How Do You Know if Proactive Solution Skincare is for You?

Acne can occur at any age. Some people believe that acne is only battled by teenagers going through puberty. Although it is true that a large percentage of people with acne are teenagers, there is

The Proactive acne treatment is effective and can work for anyone battling acne. My husband used Proactive for a very long time. During that time, his skin was as clear as ever, with his acne under strict control. However, with extended use, his skin did also become very sensitized and dehydrated. The somewhat aggressive nature of the ingredients used to zap the acne caused redness and flakiness of his skin. If you should find the same thing happening to you, rest assured that there is an easy fix. You do not have to stop using Proactive. Simply add into your skincare regimen an additional toner that will help to hydrate your skin and reduce the sensitivity. The Dermalogica Soothing Protection Spray is a great product to use in this case. You can also consider adding an oil-free, hydrating serum or weekly hydrating Mask to assist in hydrating your skin.

philosophy Shelter Tinted SPF 30

Sharnell — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 23:56:40 +0000

As we all know, sunscreen is a must. But did you know that sunscreen is necessary for all seasons, including the winter? It is so important to protect your skin at all times, even when the weather conditions don’t seem to pose a threat. The truth is, UV rays are always present and will pass through the clouds down onto your skin even in cold temperatures. Furthermore, in areas where it snows, the snow can reflect up to 80% of the sun’s rays and cause sunburn and damage to your skin just as severe as would the hot sun in the summer.So what’s my point? You can switch up your sunscreen to better accommodate your skin throughout the year. That’s how philosophy Shelter Tinted SPF 30 came into my life. I have done a lot of research on philosophy products, but have never actually used any of their product. While shopping for my new skincare last week, I came across this sunscreen and thought I’d give it a try. I am so happy that I did because I absolutely LOVE IT! Here’s why:

The texture is perfect for in the winter. You get the protection of SPF 30 with a boost of moisturization, which is always welcomed in the cold and dry months.
Your skin is left with a beautiful sheer coverage that is just enough to give you a smooth and balanced look.
It is lightweight and has a soothing and gentle lavender fragrance. I love the touch of aromatherapy!
A little goes a long way, so one tube can last a very long time.

I am extremely pleased with this tinted SPF and I’m eager to expand my collection of philosophy products. I plan on continuing use of the philosophy Shelter Tinted SPF 30 throughout winter and spring. I am so excited about my new discovery!

What are your experiences with the philosophy brand? Do you have any favorites that you can recommend??

Dermalogica or SkinCeuticals? Part One.

Sharnell — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 04:02:15 +0000

Since the start of my career, I have remained dedicated to the Dermalogica skin care line. While having many opportunities to use other product lines, I always find myself going back Dermalogica. Dermalogica continues to produce quality and effective skincare products that never cease to amaze me both professionally and personally. However, with the new year, I thought I might venture out a bit and try something new. Since my stock of skincare is in dire need of replenishment, my quest for some new product couldn’t have come at a better time.Where else to begin my search but with skinstore.com? This website offers a variety of “top notch” skincare products at a great price with everyday free shipping! During my search, I came across a skincare line called SkinCeuticals. While reading up on their line of cleansers, I noticed that their ingredients were very similar to the Dermalogica brand. One of the reasons I am so devoted to Dermalogica is because they use very natural and pure ingredients. SkinCeuticals is formulated with the same type of natural ingredients. Also like Dermalogica, SkinCeutical conveniently lists ingredients on their product with both the cosmeceutical term as well as the more familiar or “consumer-friendly” term.

For example, the cosmeceutical term Santalum Album Wood is also listed as Sandlewood Extract, a term we are all more familiar with. In addition to the two product lines sharing similar ingredients, their sizes and prices are comparable. The Dermalogica Essential Cleansing Solution, which is my all-time favorite cream cleanser, is sold for $29.50 in an 8.4oz bottle, while the SkinCeuticals Cleansing Cream costs $26.00 for an 8oz bottle. The only difference I did find between the two lines is that Dermalogica offers most of their products in two sizes, either eight or sixteen ounce bottles, while SkinCeuticals is only offered in the eight ounce size. I can deal with that!

So after discovering the many similarities between Dermalogica and SkinCeuticals, I thought why not give SkinCeuticals a shot. I ended up ordering just “a few items”, the SkinCeuticals Cleansing Cream, SkinCeuticals Revitalizing Toner and SkinCeuticals Daily Moisture. I am eager to receive my new skincare products and can’t wait to tell you all about them! As with all new skincare, I will use them consistently for at least two weeks before forming my final opinion. Has my beloved Dermalogica found it’s match?

Stay tuned to find out!!