Apothecary: Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream

Hello ladies,

Today I want to share information about one of my favorite products for hands and nails: Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream. This moisturizer is a staple in my beauty regimen. Its concentrated formula can be utilized to treat dry skin on the lips, hands, elbows and feet.

I initially experienced Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream as a teenager. It was one of the first products for hand and nail care that joined my early assortment of beauty products. This hand cream has been a companion in helping me care for my dry skin over the years.

The product is a clear gel with a medium consistency. It absorbs readily, leaving a light shielding layer to protect skin from the elements. Neutrogena Hand Cream is concentrated. I apply one to two pea sized dots for both hands. While the packaging states that a 2 ounce tube can last over 200 applications, I tend to be more generous with my usage. I still find the intensive formula to be an economical choice.

In the evening, I massage this cream into the skin on my hands, with attention to my nails and cuticles. The glycerin rich formula does a notable job at preventing hang nails and cuticle damage caused from dryness. It also keeps the nail beds hydrated and guards against peeling and splitting. One of the components of maintaining nail length is using a quality hand cream. Proper moisturizing keeps nails flexible and inhibits breakage.

My tube of Neutrogena Hand Cream resides on my night stand. I love the versatility of the formula. If I forget to apply lip balm before bed, the smallest dab can be used to soften my lips. It is also an effective moisturizer for elbows and feet.

The compact size makes Neutrogena Hand Cream a useful product for travel. It can perform the functions of various skin care essentials. Its concentrated formula would ensure you had a sufficient amount to meet your skin care needs. It would also be great to toss into a purse or backpack for a day out.

The formula is sold in original and fragrance free varieties. The scent has been updated to a light floral that reminds me of Estee Lauder Pleasures. While lovely, the fragrance dissipates quickly. It wouldn't interfere with any perfume you chose to wear. Men who aren't comfortable with scented products would likely prefer the fragrance free option.

Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate, Methylparaben, Dilauryl Thiodipropionate, Sodium Sulfate, Fragrance (1430-012).

The primary emollient in the Norwegian Formula is glycerin. This ingredient has been clinically proven to draw moisture to the skin. I find glycerin provides fast relief for dry skin issues. Glycerin is reputed to be helpful in healing eczema.

One of the most common questions I am asked as nail and beauty blogger is: What hand cream would you recommend? Neutrogena Hand Cream is consistently my favorite drug store moisturizer for hand and nail care.

I have used this product with great results for over fifteen years. I am curious if there are any other devotees of Neutrogena Hand Cream. It is certainly a drug store classic!

Neutrogena Hand Cream was sent to me for review. This product can be purchased at neutrogena.com or check your local drugstore. The retail price is $4.99 for a 2 ounce (56 g) tube.

Happy painting, ladies!

Apothecary: OPI Avojuice Skin Quenchers, Crisp Apple Juicie

Hello ladies,

There is a product you will find in my purse from October through April: OPI Avojuice Skin Quenchers. My favorite variety of the moment is the Crisp Apple Juicie. I am keeping my hands and nails hydrated throughout the day while enjoying the perfect scent of Autumn.

OPI Avojuice Skin Quenchers: Crisp Apple Juicie, 1 fl. oz. (30mL).

I have been using OPI Avojuice during the cooler months for the past two years. I apply it typically once a day. During the coldest temperatures of the season, I often reach for it twice daily.

If the skin on your hands feels dry, your nails and cuticles are likely in need of moisture. Applying OPI Avojuice can help prevent damage to nails exacerbated by dryness. Nails that are kept moisturized will retain flexibility, a key component in maintaining length. It will also help prevent peeling, splitting and breakage.

Avojuice Skin Quenchers are currently available in the following fragrances: coconut melon, cran & berry, crisp apple, ginger lily, grapefruit, jasmine, mango, peach and raspberry violet. You also may encounter seasonal scents like berry merry rose, caramel cream, mocha mint, pumpkin butter and winter huckleberry. The fragrances are strong, but pleasant. I would recommend having a few varieties on hand to coordinate with your favorite perfumes.

If you are concerned about purchasing the 1 oz. (30mL) trial size for environmental reasons, Avojuice is also sold in 6.6 oz. (200 mL) and 20 oz. (592 mL) bottles. The liquid consistency makes it convenient to either refill your 1 oz. bottles or transfer a small amount into your own travel container. Even with regular use, I don't tend to go through much product.

The ingredients for the Crisp Apple Juicie include: Aqua, Propylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Cetearyl Alchohol, Parfum/Fragrance, Polyquaternium-37, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, PPG-1 Trideceth-6, Allantoin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Aloe Barbadendsis Leaf Acetate, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Lecithin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Benzophenone-4, Isopropylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Butylparaben, Methylparaben, Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Oleic Acid, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, Eugenol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene, Carboxaldehyde, and CI 15985 (Yellow 6).

The formula does contain some wonderful natural moisturizing ingredients including aloe vera, avocado oil and vitamin E. It's evident by the beautiful fragrance that apple extract is included. Even though I tend to prefer a less complicated ingredients list, I appreciate how Avojuice absorbs instantly. It's a quality I require in a daytime hand and nail moisturizer.

If you are planning stocking stuffers for the holidays, OPI Juicies are the perfect fit. The 1 oz. size is great for sharing in gift bags too.

I rely on OPI Avojuice Skin Quenchers as part of my daily hand and nail care routine. I definitely recommend this product.

OPI Avojuice is sold at transdesign.com. I have also seen Avojuice at Ulta retail locations. I purchased mine locally at Beans Beauty.

Happy painting, ladies!

Apothecary: Seven Wonders Miracle Lotion

Hello ladies,

Today I want to share one of my favorite natural moisturizers with you: Seven Wonders Miracle Lotion. The formula contains aloe vera, seven oils and 14 herbal extracts. I find this lotion very useful as a treatment for hands and nails.

Let's examine the ingredients. The natural emollients include canola oil, castor oil, olive oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, sweet almond oil and wheat germ oil. You'll find many of the same components present in quality cuticle oils. Mineral oil is also included in a lesser concentration. While not absorbed into the skin, this oil creates a protective barrier.

The herbal extracts are as follows: Alfalfa, Black Walnut, Burdock Root, Chamomile, Comfrey, Ginseng, Goldenseal, Henna, Hyssop, Sage, Sheep Sorrell, Slippery Elm Bark, Wheat Germ and Yarrow. Vitamins A & E are also included.

Seven Wonders Miracle Lotion is formulated for dry skin. Normal to oily skin types could use this to treat problem areas. I find it invaluable for healing and preventing dry skin patches. I notice I really need to be attentive to the health of my skin during seasonal changes. Fluctuating temperatures and shifts in the humidity in the air can affect the natural moisture levels in my skin.

This product does the work of a body butter, but with the convenience of a lotion formula in a pump dispenser. I recommend starting with 50% of the amount of moisturizer you typically would apply. You can adjust from there to find the perfect quantity needed. When too much product is used, the lotion can leave an oily layer on the skin. It will absorb easily when applied with moderation.

Seven Wonders Miracle Lotion does contain fragrance. With the concentration of natural oils and herbal extracts, I could question the necessity of added perfume. However, the lotion smells beautiful! There is a fruity scent with a hint of coconut. My boyfriend has renamed this product that wonderful mango lotion. While to me, the scent is more of a fruit bowl than a single mango, I am glad he enjoys it's aroma as well.

You can ask for Seven Wonders Miracle Lotion at your local health food store. It is also available from the manufacturer's website: 1800thewoman.com.

Below are some wildflowers and plant life I spied in the woods.

Behold your whimsy for the day. This is a skunk cabbage. The unfurled leaf looks a bit jaunty.

Happy painting, ladies!

Apothecary: Madagascar Vanilla Hand Moisturizer

Hello ladies,

For those of us approaching fall weather, it's an auspicious time to consider preparing our skin for the effects of cooler temperatures. I have been using the Madagascar Vanilla Hand Moisturizer from Max Brenner over the the past few weeks. This came to me as part of a sweet birthday present from my friends Lisa and Cassandra. 

This hand moisturizer offers a true vanilla fragrance. It doesn't exude the off putting chemical scent that seems to be pervasive in products claiming to smell like vanilla. It reminds me of spooning pure vanilla extract into a bowl of cake batter created from scratch. It smells decadent and simultaneously wholesome.  

The consistency is like applying a thicker lotion or a lightweight creme. I rubbed a couple of pea sized drops over my hands before typing. The moisturizer absorbs reasonably quick and leaves my hands feeling supple to the touch. After a few minutes, there is softness without residue. I began using this moisturizer at night, but as the temperature cools, I will keep it by my bathroom sink for daytime application. 

The ingredients list includes natural emollients: sunflower oil, olive oil, orange oil, evening primrose oil, peach kernel oil, cocoa butter, aloe gel and calendula oil. The formula also features chamomile extract and ginseng. Methylparaben and propylparaben are used as preservatives. I will be reviewing a natural hand cream from an apiary in a couple weeks for those who prefer paraben free products. 

Max Brenner is a chocolate theme restaurant. I was really delighted with the quality of their Madagascar Vanilla Hand Moisturizer. I am looking forward to returning for brunch. I definitely will be trying more of their Spa Collection. They do sell wondrous chocolate on their website. For those not geographically blessed enough to live within walking or driving distance of a Max Brenner location, there is always the help of the post office to bring treats and spa products to your door.