Product Junkie Approved: Rosebud Salve

I stumbled upon Rosebud Salve about a year ago at Sephora and really love this stuff. I keep it on my nightstand and put it on my cuticles and lips every night before I go to bed. When my hands are really dry I rub it into the really dry spots too. It is under $6 so very affordable. It is a lifesaver especially living in Michigan where our winters are very long.

disclaimer: I purchased this product and did not receive a sample or any compensation and just because I like it doesn't mean you will too. I like to share the products that I love with my readers just because I am nice.

Product Junkie Approved Bare Escentuals

This week I have two products that get my seal of approval, bareMinerals Foundation and Buxom lip balm both by Bare Escentuals. I have to admit that I was a bit skeptical at first with trying bareMinerals foundation, only because I am really picky when it comes to foundation. After the first use I can say I am now a huge fan of the foundation and the lip balm.

Here is why bareMinerals has my seal of approval: I love that it is easy to use, literally swirl, tap buff see HERE, all natural, has SPF 15 and stays on all day! I have tried other mineral foundations and have found them to be chalky and they made my skin dry, with bareMinerals my skin feels velvety and even has a bit of a dewy look without excessive oil and it lasts all day. The color I selected is Medium Beige and it is a perfect match, no line along my jawline.

The Buxom Lip Gloss is the va va va voom for your lips! Buxom lip gloss is infused with bare minerals, has a nice sheen, provides full coverage and has this cool, tingly sensation that lets you know that your lips are plumping up. My favorite color is Jessica, which surprised me since it is a fairly light shade but I love it for everyday wear.

Bare Escentual products are available HERE and also at Sephora and QVC just to name a few.



Bare Escentuals has millions of fans and now has the product junkie hot on their heels!

Contest Closed!! Product Junkie Approved: Review and Giveaway for Earth Baby Shampoo

I think there is nothing better than a freshly bathed kiddo and the scent of freshly washed hair right out of the tub . When using products on Will I always look for products that are organic and gentle on his skin. I also like products that smell really good at the same time. Earth Baby shampoo first passed my sniff test and then after washing Will's hair with Earth Baby Tiny Bubbles Baby Shampoo it also performed really well, it had a very nice lather and rinsed out well, tear free too! Did I already say that it smells amazing? My husband even asked what smelled so good. I also used the detangler and it also smells amazing and works like a charm. Will has thick hair that always needs some conditioning. When I brushed his hair out the brush went through with ease. Our kiddos deserve the very best don't they?

Here are a few other things I love about Earth Baby products:

• hypoallergenic
• tear free
• certified organic ingredients
• pediatrician recommended
• OleoSpheres™ technology
• manufactured in the U.S.A.

Would you like to win a bottle of Earth Baby Tiny Bubble Shampoo? (retail value $15)

First entry: Please visit Earth Baby and tell me what other product you like.

Extra entries: (leave a comment for each extra entry)

Follow Earth Baby on Twitter for two extra entries HERE. (leave a comment for each extra entry)

Follow my blog 1 extra entry.

Add my blog button to your site 2 extra entries.

Tweet about this contest 2 extra entries

Contest is open to US residents and closes on August 22nd at 11:59 PM. Good Luck!!!

Product Junkie Approved: They say it's your Birthday

Well actually it is my birthday tomorrow so I thought it was only fitting to share one of my favorite shower gels. Normally I am not a big fan of Vanilla but I love the Vanilla Birthday Cake 3 in 1 Shampoo/Shower Gel/Bubble bath by Philosophy. What I love about it is that the Vanilla isn't overpowering , it is mild and smells just like a birthday cake. The Vanilla Birthday Cake is available HERE for $16. The bottle is 16 ounces and will last you a while! This is the best kind of cake, guilt free without the calories!

Product Junkie Approved: Balance and Brighten

I don't know if you are like me but many days I just do not feel like wearing foundation, yet still need some coverage. I have blotchy skin so I need something to balance out my complexion. The Balance and Brighten by Laura Gellar does just that, it evens out your skin tone and gives you a nice healthy glow. You can use this in place of your foundation. I have eliminated my powder and just use this as my base before applying the rest of my make up. When I would like more coverage I use a bit of foundation underneath my Balance and Brighten. I especially like that it isn't heavy and really has no scent, my skin feels clean all day. You can purchase Laura Gellar make-up at Sephora and Qvc. The Balance and Brighten is priced at $29.50 and comes in Fair and Medium, and can be purchased HERE.

Do you have a favorite product that you can not live with out?

CLOSED Giveaway! Product Junkie Approved Rehab for your lips!

Contest Closed: The winner of the Lip Balm from Soap Rehab is Michelle of This Crazy Life.

The Grapefruit Lip Smoothie by Soap Rehab truly is rehab for your lips. Winter in Michigan has been really gruelling and this is just what my lips needed. The Grapefruit Lip Smoothie is just $3.50 and handcrafted by a fellow Michigander. This lip balm glides on your lips and has a very mild taste, a touch of grapefruit mixed with vanilla, delicious! It is a lip balm that you just want to keep putting on even when not necessary.

Complete ingredients: Castor Oil, Palm Kernel Oil, Avocado Oil, Coconut Oil, Aloe Leaf Extract, Carnauba Wax, Candelilla Wax, grapefruit essential oil, flavor (lip safe, of course!)

You can find a variety of flavors over at Soap Rehab HERE.

If you would like to win a tube of lip balm from Soap Rehab here is how you can win:

1. Please visit Soap Rehab HERE and tell me which flavor you would like to try.

Extra entries: (Leave a separate comment for each extra entry)

****Follow my blog
****Follow me on Twitter HERE
****Add my button to your site
****Tweet about this contest
****Stumble this post

The contest is open to US citizens only and will close on Saturday April 11th. Please make sure you leave some way for me to contact you if you are the winner.

Good Luck!

Product Junkie Approved: Guilt Free Desserts!

Do you know what I love about the Candy Soap Collection, $25, from Bath Desserts? I love each and every scent, unlike the experience you can have with a box of chocolate. I find a box of chocolate sometimes disappointing as I typically only enjoy a few flavors, that isn't the case with the Candy Soap Collection. You won't be sorry with each piece of candy soap. I also love that they are 100% natural and are loaded with Hemp seed oil which is one of the most nutrient dense plant oils found on Earth, the soaps are non-greasy and have the perfect amount of lather. These soaps are so good it will be hard for you to share.

Product yummies:

The Candy Soap Collection caters to every dessert lovers fantasy! It is the first soap collection to turn soap into a sensuous, calorie-free indulgence! The collection is sold in an authentic candy box and includes nine miniature bars of soap. Rich in vitamins and essential fatty acids, your skin will feel soft and moisturized after using each delicious handmade hemp soap miniature. These beautiful guest soaps are a one of a kind treat!

9 delicious scents:

Lavender Oatmeal
Fresh Citrus
Coconut,
Totally Peppermint
Sweet Gardenia
Linden Blossom
Tea Party
Lemon Aloe
Ginger
Peach Tea

If you are looking for a very Dolce (sweet) bath experience you will not be sorry with the Candy Soap Collection. Please also visit Bath Desserts to see other yummy goodies for a truly luxurious bath experience.

The Candy Soap Collection is Product Junkie Approved!!!

Bath Desserts is kindly extending a special discount to La Dolce Vita Readers, use code CandySoaps to receive 20% off your order. This offer is good from March 28th through April 11th.

Product Junkie Approved: Yummy for your hands

Let's just say I wash my hands a lot and since I do I need hand soap that doesn't dry my hands out. Just the other day I ran out of my favorite Bath & Body Works Foaming hand soap and had to use a brand I will not mention, after just a few days my hands were really dry. I just picked up this new scent Mint Nectarine and it is yummy. The Mint Nectarine is mild yet smells really good. I love the foam versions since I can also use them to wash Will's hands, he thinks the foam is fun. Running out of B & B handsoaps makes me just as panicked as running out of TP, if you know what I mean.

Here are a few of my other favorite scents:

Kitchen Lemon
Cucumber Melon
Tropical Passion Fruit
Black Raspberry Vanilla.

Right now these soaps are 3 for $10 and online they are offering free shipping with a purchase of $60, use code FREESHIP60. I also sign up for their mailing list and never purchase anything without a coupon, just the other day I had a coupon for 20% off my entire purchase so that made the soaps just $2.66 each. I think washing your hands should be a fabulous experience so I indulge for some yummy hand soaps.

Do you have a favorite hand soap that you can't live without?

Be sure to enter for a chance to win a $50 gift certificate out of my shop Kristen's Custom Creations. The contest runs until 3/31/09 enter HERE

Product Junkie Approved: Would you like your manicures to last???

Many years ago when I use to get manicures my manicurist introduced me to OPI's Start to Finish. If you haven't tried this product it is truly amazing, it will extend your manicure and pedicure by days, I can even get a pedicure to last for about 3 weeks during the summer months.


The OPI Start to Finish is a Base Coat, Top Coat & Nail Strengthener. This single high-performance product fills a multitude of nail care needs. It's a 3-in-1 product! You apply it before you polish your nails and also as a top coat, it will give you amazing shine! The formula I prefer is the Formaldehyde Free Formula. You can purchase this at most salons but also is available here

This product is surely Product Junkie Approved!

Do you have a favorite product that you just can't live without?

Product Junkie Approved: Hello Kitty

Have you seen the Hello Kitty products from Mac? I am already a fan of Mac products so when I heard that they had a full line of Hello Kitty products, they had me at Meow! The color I like is the She Loves Candy, it isn't the color that is pictured(I had some technical difficulties). The She Loves Candy is a light pink that looks great over my Mac Plum Dandy lipstick!

I loved Hello Kitty when I was a kid and it just brought back so many memories purchasing some Hello Kitty makeup!

The She Loves Candy is surely Product Junkie Approved and is the cat's MEOW!!!!

Giveaway: Product Junkie Approved ecostore

Eco Fresh - by klacustomcreations on Polyvore.com

CONTEST CLOSED*** Winner is Dawn of Bee and Rose! Congrats!

After I had my son I really became concerned about the products I used on him and around him. The thought of putting something with chemicals on him or spraying a cleaner around him that is toxic was very concerning to me. The one problem I ran into when searching for products was that often they were not as effective. The soaps didn't seem to really clean the little guy up and the cleaning products left strange residues. I had the opportunity to use some fantastic products from ecostore. ecostore products are chemical free, they use plant based surfactants, simple mineral salts and essential plant oils and are very effective. If you read the ingredients they are actually things that you can pronounce and will know what they are.

Here is why ecostore is Product Junkie Approved:

The Vanilla and Lemongrass soaps have a nice lather and a lovely scent. I felt really clean after using the soaps and this is coming from a shower gel girl, the lather was amazing.

The Baby Shampoo had a very nice scent, lathered up nicely and left Will's hair squeaky clean. Here is the best part, it is tear free so no crying at all. Will has never been a fan of getting his hair washed. Will has crazy hair and the next day he was still sporting some good hair.

The Citrus Spray Cleaner is perfect for using on a variety of surfaces. I really like to use it on the kitchen counter, Will's play table and the dining room table. The best part is that it is a natural antibacterial cleaner. Being a germ freak this is very appealing to me and being natural and antibacterial at the same time is a major plus!

Would you like to win a product from ecostore?

First entry: Leave me a comment and tell me which product you would like to win: Soap, Spray cleaner, or Baby shampoo!

Extra entries: (for each extra entry leave a separate comment below)

1. Add my button to your blog site. (leave a comment telling me you did so)

2. Tweet about the giveaway (leave a comment that you tweeted)

3. Follow my blog (current followers - just leave a comment telling me you already follow.)

4. Stumble this post (leave a comment telling me you did this!)


That's 5 possible entries! Again Be sure to leave a separate entry for each thing you do, the winner will be randomly selected.

The contest will close on Saturday March 7th at Noon EST. This contest is open to US Residents only. Good luck!

ecostore products are available either online at their site or can be purchased at Meijer stores near you!

CONTEST CLOSED****** Product Junkie Approved: A kick for your immune system

The winner is Valerie of Sweets4bloggers

Product Junkie Approved Sambucol Black Elderberry Dietary Supplement!

Being a busy mom I just don't have time to get sick and since there still isn't a cure for the common cold I reach for products that will boost my immune system and fend off those yucky drippy noses! Products like Sambucol Black Elderberry Immune Support Dietary Supplement!

Sambucol with natural black elderberry is trusted by millions of people worldwide. It is the original black elderberry dietary supplement developed by a virologist and researched and tested in published clinical trials showing it to help support the immune system. Sambucol products are made from a unique extract of black elderberry, a centuries-old herbal remedy, now recognized as one of nature's richest sources of anthocyanins, a class of flavonoids that are believed to help stimulate the body's immune response. Sambucol can be taken every day to help support the immune system.

I think anyone and especially mom's would agree that a product that boosts your immune system should get the Product Junkie seal of approval!

Sambucol contains black elderberry and has twice the natural antioxidant capacity of blueberries and significantly more than cranberries, as measured by ORAC – oxygen radical absorbance capacity.

You can go to www.sambucol.com for more info. The Sambucol products are available nationwide at major retailers, including health food stores, such as Vitamin Shoppe, pharmacy chains including Rite Aid, Walgreens, CVS and online at drugstore.com.

Would you like to win a gift basket of Sambucol?

The “Immune Boosting Gift Basket” from Sambucol includes the following (total value $105) one winner will win the following:

Sambucol^® Original Formula - $14.99 for 4 ounce bottle

Sambucol^® Cold & Flu Relief Tablets-- NEW!!- $14.99 for 30 quick dissolve tablets

Sambucol^® For Kids 2yrs-12yrs. - $14.99 for 4 ounce bottle.

Sambucol^® Immune Formula - $14.99 for 4 ounce bottle.

Sambucol^® Sugar Free - $14.99 for 4 ounce bottle.

Sambucol^® Original Formula Chewable Tablets - $14.99 for 30 tablets

Sambucol^® Immune Formula Chewable Tablets - $14.99 for 30 tablets

Here is how you can win this fabulous gift basket:

Leave a comment that you would like to win a set!

Extra entries: (for each extra entry leave a separate comment below)

1. Add my button to your blog site. (leave a comment telling me you did so)

2. Tweet about the giveaway (leave a comment that you tweeted)

3. Follow my blog (current followers - just leave a comment telling me you already follow.)

4. Stumble this post (leave a comment telling me you did this!)


That's 5 possible entries! Again Be sure to leave a separate entry for each thing you do, the winner will be randomly selected.

The contest will close on Saturday February 28th at Noon EST. This contest is open to US Residents only. Good luck!

Closed: Giveaway,Giveaway,Giveaway: Softlips pure bliss for your lips!

Congratulations the winner is Carolyn of Carolyn in Carolina.

I have shared many times some of my favorite lipsticks but when I need just a great all round lip conditioner I like to keep several tubes of the Softlips 1oo% natural lip conditioners readily available for application. I love finding affordable products that are organic! The key for keeping your lips from becoming dry or chapped is keeping lip balm on your lips as often as possible. I have probably 5 tubes scattered throughout the house and in my purse so I can apply it whenever I need to. I also love to wear it under my lipstick as a base. What I love about the Softlips all natural is just that, they are all natural and come in two yummy flavors Honeydew and Pomegranate. I can't pick a favorite since I like both equally. These lip balms are smooth and taste great!

Here is the best part I have two to giveaway to one lucky reader!!!!!
I am going to keep it really simple please just leave me a comment that you would like to snag some Soft Lips certified organic lip conditioners!!! That is it, that simple! No hoops to jump through! Please just make sure I have a way of contacting you if you win!!! Contest closes February 7th at midnight EST.

You can find Softlips at Target, Drugstore.com and many other drugstores and they are priced under $4.

Product information:

100% Natural, 95% USDA Organic.

Softlips® Pure Honeydew is certified organic and 100% natural. the premium, organic ingredients provide a silky-smooth, eco-friendly lip conditioner for softer, healthier lips.

• Blend of organic oils, beeswax and shea butter deeply moisturize and nourish lips
• Vitamin E and mineral -rich cucumber extract protect lips
• 100% natural honeydew flavor
• Free of pesticides, harsh chemicals and parabens
• Gluten-free
• Cruelty free
• Certified organic by VOF

  100% Natural, 95% USDA Organic.

  Softlips® Pure pomegranate is certified organic and 100% natural. the premium, organic ingredients provide a silky-smooth, eco-friendly lip conditioner for softer, healthier lips.

• Blend of organic oils, beeswax and shea butter deeply moisturize and nourish lips
• Vitamin E and antioxidant -rich pomegranate extract protect lips
• 100% natural pomegranate flavor
• Free of pesticides, harsh chemicals and parabens
• Gluten-free
• Cruelty free
• Certified organic by VOF

Product Junkie Approved: A Perfect World

I have tried my share of daily moisturizers and am in love with Origins A Perfect World. I love that it has antioxidants and many natural ingredients that provide a nice amount of moisture without the heavy feel. I use this moisturizer year round and love it! The best part is that the price isn't outrageous, not cheap but not outrageous and a little goes a long way. A Perfect World is available at major department stores and at Origins. for $36.
Sometimes you can even get a sample of a new product and do a try before you buy, just ask!

Product Information:

New research at several major universities has proven that world-famous White Tea is among the most potent antioxidants, anti-agers, anti-stress, anti-smoke, anti-pollution antidotes. Now its perfect-protective powers are energized and optimized while skin is deeply moisturized. Ferment of Sugarcane acts like a mini-sparkplug to up skin’s ability to neutralize free radicals before they deface skin. Murumuru Butter maximizes skin’s moisture barrier. Rose Fruit Oil hydrates. Centella Asiatica firms. Vitamin C brightens and helps even out skin tone. And aromatic Orange, Bergamot and Spearmint fortify the feel-good factor. Keep your skin in A Perfect World™ 24/7.

Do you have a favorite moisturizer or skincare product?

Product Junkie Approved: Your cuticle's will thank you!

It is that time of year, dry hands and cuticles that are just crying for some relief. Did you know to have beautiful finger nails it all starts with your cuticles! Your cuticles need to be healthy for your nails to grow properly. A fabulous product that I have used for years is the Solar Oil nail conditioner by Creative Nail Design. Solar Oil contains almond oil and is not only great for your nails but also smells wonderful. Just apply a few times a day and your cuticles will thank you. You can pick up Solar Oil at most drug stores but can also be found here.

One more tip, never cut your cuticles, just push them back either with your towel after a shower or with a cuticle pusher.

Do you have a favorite nail product that the Product Junkie should try?

Product Junkie Approved: Sheer, Shimmer.....

I never leave home with out my Aveda Lip Tint in Peony! What I love about this product is that it is like a chap stick but has a bit of shimmer. I always like to have a bit of color on my lips and sometimes it just isn't practical to pull out a tube of lip stick when you are out and about. I also sometimes use this as a base under my lip stick or lip gloss. I love that I can apply it with out a mirror and it still looks fabulous. It is available in many shades, has sunscreen and is loaded with fabulous ingredients.

Do you have a favorite lip product that the Product Junkie should check out?

Product Junkie Approved: The Perfect Pink!

Now that the holiday's are fast approaching it is time to get our nails looking pretty! I tend to always prefer neutral shades for my fingernails and I usually go for a neutral pink. I have tried my share of different pinks. I find I always come back to my favorite, the Essie Mademoiselle Nail Polish. The Essie Mademoiselle is a sheer pink, that is very neutral and and very flattering. The Mademoiselle also looks fabulous with a French Manicure.

Do you have a favorite nail polish color or favorite brand?

Photo courtesy of Beautysak.com.

Product Junkie Approved: Relief

For many years I have been addicted to my Hand Relief hand lotion by Aveda. Back in the day when I use to get manicures every two weeks my manicurist always used it and I got hooked. The lotion isn't too heavy and I love the way it makes my hands feel. I use it year round. I keep a travel size tube in my purse, one by the kitchen sink and one on my night stand. I use it several times a day and it smells great and leaves your hands feeling wonderful.

This time of year my hands get so dry and this product just does the trick for me. You also have to love that Aveda uses all natural ingredients. I would say the Hand Relief lotion is one of my top 10 favorites!

Do you have a favorite hand care product?

Product Junkie Approved and under $4

Now I have tried a lot of different facial scrubs but always seem to return to the Swiss Ives Apricot Scrub and priced at under $4 how can you beat that. What I love about this is that you can use it in the shower and it really does give you a smooth finish. I use this about once a week and even sometimes use it on my hands.

Do you have a favorite product to share or a favorite product the Product Junkie should try?

Product Junkie Approved: Banish Oil

I am a gal who has combination skin and I get very oily in my T-Zone and have found a solution for combating shine, The Laura Gellar Matte Maker Invisible Oil Blotting Powder available at QVC . What I love about this product is that it comes with a brush and lasts forever. It is magical, as it really does diminish the shine. I use it a few times a day and if I need to freshen up my make up I use this first and then just reapply some of my make up. This sure beats having to use blotting papers.

This product is Product Junkie Approved!

Do you have a favorite product you want to share?