Opal Stevens

Hey Girls! I have been researching about the natural benefits of Epsom salt and I was surprised to find that it is not only beneficial for our skin but also for our nervous system. Epsom salt is made of the mineral magnesium sulfate, which is known to be absorbed through the skin and draw toxins from the body. As well as sedating the nervous system, reducing swelling, and relaxing muscles. It is a natural emollient, exfoliator, and much more.  Muscle Tension or Dry Skin.. Add a cup of Epsom salt to warm water in the tub and soak in it for at least fifteen minutes. After you get out make sure to moisturize. This is called Talassotherapy, and it is proven to help psychological problems and help you sleep better.  Get Rid of Those Toxins Girl!  Living in the twenty-first century can take its toll on our body, not only are we exposed to chemicals in the air, we also have very tempting unhealthy food around us always. Epson salt works in marvelous ways to detox your b...

Spongeables® Pedi-Scrub™ is the best thing to happen to feet since Manolo. One side is soft and gentle, infused with soap and aromatic botanicals to leave feet clean, fresh and sweet smelling. But the other side is where the action is. It’s pure bliss.  Made to buff away dry, rough skin on heels and soles, shine up the toenails, and exfoliate dry skin, Pedi-Scrub’s scrubby-texture provides a stimulating massage that revives tired feet and leaves them tingling. The perfect antidote to stiletto pumps! Two appealing fragrance choices -- aromatic Lavender & Tea Tree Oil (pink Pedi-Scrub™), or revitalizing Citron-Eucalyptus (green Pedi-Scrub™), provide a touch of aromatherapy rejuvenation, leaving a hint of clean, herbal freshness on the skin. Pedi-Scrubs™ are available at drug, discount and chain stores around the world (MSR $6.99) or visit the website at www.spongeables.com The pedi scrub is an amazing product that will cleanse, exfoliate, massage, and moisturize your fe...

Battling sun damaged, dry, wrinkled, aging skin and acne is easy and extremely affordable with Alpha Hydrox. Alpha Hydrox alpha hydroxy anti-wrinkle skin creams, lotions, oil-free formulas and body washes help to prevent and reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and creases. They also even skin's tone and unclog pores, helping to banish acne and problem-prone skin. At a fraction of the cost of discount and department store brands that aren't even close to being as effective, Alpha Hydrox will help your skin look & feel younger, fresher, smoother, softer, clearer, more radiant and healthier. The Glycolic Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) used in Alpha Hydrox products are advanced natural exfoliants that gently and gradually “peel away” dead surface skin cells, allowing fresh, new cells to emerge. AHAs, particulary glycolic, are recommended by Dermatologists and Plastic Surgeons throughout the world because they actually improve the skin. Great skin begins wi...

2011 was filled with much joy, surprises, and some sadness... It went by so fast, just like every other year. In this post I will be sharing my favorite or most used beauty products of 2011. SKINCARE Philosophy Purity Cleanser:  A non-foaming one step facial cleanser. It removes makeup, cleanses your face, and is also a toner. This cleanser was love at first use for me, I received it in my Birchbox and immediately went to Sephora to buy another bottle. Clarisonic Mia:  I received my Clarisonic Mia and immediately fell in love, I use it along with the Purity cleanser and I have never felt my skin so soft. The fast moving bristles help to clean your skin and wash away impurities. Sweet Pea Body Spray:  Bath and Body Works has released many new scents but Sweet Pea will always hold a special place in my heart. It is the first scent I think of when thinking of B&BW, this year I went all out and I bought the whole set (body spray, lotion, and body was...

Hey beauties, I’m so excited to star as a guest on Opal Steven’s blog! Allow me to introduce myself: my name’s Stephanie - a fan of all things glamorous and a self-professed success maniac... and I’ll be showing how you to keep your skin sexy smooth all through Winter! After all, there are times that we don’t feel the need to be under wraps (or wearing ten jumpers, a hoody and a scarf!) such as intimate moments with the boy...and when Spring comes along we’ll be glad of the self-nurturing we gave ourselves through this period of “skin hibernation”. So let’s get started!  In Winter your best tactic is to work top to bottom. Your face and lips are always going to be exposed to the harsh conditions - weather that’s rain, central heating or diabolical wind storms (especially if you live in Scotland). The most popular tactic in the aim to protect your skin from said aggravations is to moisturize. Many people don’t realize that actually, there is a step before t...

Coffee Cake Crumble Scrub and Rose Petal Cookies  Mad Hatter's Tea Party Pumpkin Pie Filling Scrub Ginger Snap Soak/Scrubbies Chocolate Chip Cookie Scrubbies Check out Mrs. Brown's Bath Bakery here

Daily Clinical Skin Therapy A dense, healing, salve-like complex, Elite Crème bears a true, pharmaceutical-grade consistency that is a perfect moisturizer for the whole body on a daily basis. Dr. Schewe knew when he was developing the Elite Therapeutics line that the entire brand needed to be anchored by one, powerful, daily skin care product. Thus, the evolution of Elite Therapeutics’ Elite Crème Daily Clinical Skin Therapy was the first, and most potent, of Dr. Schewe’s everyday, yet clinical, skincare regimen. A dense, healing, salve-like complex, Elite Crème bears a true, pharmaceutical-grade consistency. This skin therapy product is not only an extremely hydrating moisturizer for dry or damaged facial skin, it also is a perfect moisturizer for the body…all-in-one. The inclusion of Vitamins A and C, as well as the super-power Vitamin E, make this crème an ideal choice for severely troubled skin. However, Dr. Schewe’s use of the exclusive Manuka Honey, as well as such natura...

Is adult acne any different than the acne you would get as a teenager? Acne is different in adults. It is not in the t-zone but instead tends to be around the jawline or hairline...so a more peripheral pattern. The skin is not oily in adults so it is hard to treat adult patients with the same medications we use in teens since these meds tend to dry the skin. Is adult acne more common in men or women? Adult acne is more common in women than men. Men get acne as teens and then in general grow out of it. Women also have acne as teens but then some continue to have it as adults. Women have so many hormonal fluctuations during their life that causes acne. They get acne with their periods, during pregnancy or after pregnancy and even at menopause. Women also seem to be very susceptible to stress induced acne which of course is also caused by hormones. How is adult acne treated? I see a lot of women who are very frustrated with adult acne who complain of getting cyst...

Dr. Sue Ann Wee is Board Certified Dermatologist with expertise in laser surgery, cosmetic, and medical dermatology. I got the opportunity to ask her a few questions about acne scarring and the treatment options that are available for those suffering from acne scarring.  Why does acne scarring occur? When acne occurs, it is accompanied by an inflammatory response which injures the skin. This injured area of skin then undergoes wound repair in which the body produces scar tissue (collagen) to heal the wound. Although, the body replaces injured tissue with the same type of tissue (collagen) that is present in normal tissue, scar tissue lays down collagen in a  different and inferior manner compared to normal tissue collagen. This different arrangement of collagen in the body’s healing  process is the key feature of scar formation. What are the different types of acne scars? There are 5 main types of acne scars: rolling, box-car, ice-pick, hyp...

Dr. Leslie Baumann is an internationally renowned board-certified dermatologist, New York Times best-selling author, media personality and lecturer, and CEO of Baumann Cosmetic & Research Institute in Miami, Florida. I got the opportunity to ask her a few questions about acne and her skin typing system.  What causes acne? Increased Oil Production, Clogged pores and Bacteria. Oil causes dead skin cells to stick together which creates a clogged pore . If bacteria is present it can cause that clogged pore to inflame with pus. What are some acne myths or common misconceptions people have about acne? 1. Only teenagers get acne  2. Sun Exposure Helps Acne ( it’s actually the opposite )  3. Putting toothpaste on a pimple dries it up – NOT TRUE 4. Popping pimples make them heal faster – popping pimples can cause scarring and further inflammation.  What are some common mistakes that people make when trying to treat their acne? They over...

We're constantly searching drugstores for products that will solve our skin care woes, but what if I were to tell you that the answer may be right in your own kitchen pantry? Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a wonderful way to hydrate and condition your face. Oh, and to those with combination/oily (like myself) who may be thinking that putting an oil on your skin will only make your problems worse - think again. The logic behind it is that you're almost tricking your skin into thinking that it's got enough moisture so it won't produce excess oil. I would suggest applying at night after you cleanse your face and leave it on throughout the night as a deep moisturizing treatment. You probably don't want to use it as a daily moisturizer because it can make you look a bit shiny. But if you consistently moisturize with the olive oil you should notice your skin become less oily, softer, and you'll even see acne scars fade at an amazingly fast pace. Extra Virgin Olive Oi...

Clean & Clear Morning Burst Fruit Infusions:   MORNING BURST ®  Fruit Infusions ™  uses the goodness of fruit for vibrant, healthy-looking skin. Our Hydrating Facial Cleanser contains real fruit extracts from pineapple, coconut, and açaí. These exotic fruits are ripe with vitamins and antioxidants leaving skin feeling soft and smooth. The exotic scent of pineapple and coconut refreshes your senses, while real strawberry seeds massage your skin to reveal your most vibrant, healthy skin.   I'm so glad they came out with cleansers that actually smell good! I've seen three different types: Pineapple, Mandarin Orange, and Pomegranate (but I think the pineapple smells the best). The pineapple is their hydrating cleanser, so it's good if you have dry and/or sensitive skin.  Plus White 5 Minute Speed Whitening Gel:   Contains a bleaching ingredient for fast and effective whitening that is non-abrasive to your enamel. I can't believe I've never ment...