Posts Tagged ‘Girl Tested-Bride Approved’

Every bride-to-be finds herself in the pursuit of flawless, glowing, youthful skin. That’s because she knows that the first step to achieving that jaw-dropping, heart-stopping, groom-melting bridal look starts with great skin! I recently came across a new innovative product that helps us girls get our skin “wedding aisle” ready in no time!

WrinkleMD from University Medical is a high-tech device that replenishes hyaluronic acid in the skin, via an eye patch. Wearing the eye patch once a week for 40 minutes leaves your skin brighter, smoother and younger looking… all from the comfort of your own home!

According to University Medical, “WrinkleMD can act as a preventative measure against wrinkles for brides-to-be in their 20s, lessen the appearance of lines for those in their 30s and work to decrease wrinkles in brides-to-be in their 40s.”

Using the system is really easy! All you need to do is stick the eye patches around your eyes and leave them on for 40 minutes twice a week to start and then once a week after the second week of the system.

While using the system, I could feel my skin begin to tingle and warm as the eye patches activated and worked their magic. The patches are very comfortable to wear and I was even able to resume my normal activities while they were hard at work fighting my winkles for me. After the 40 minutes is up, the patches automatically turn off.

WrinkleMD provides an Ion-Infusion Moisturizer and an Ion-Infusion Eye Serum C to apply after using the eye patches as well as in the morning and evening. The moisturizer and eye serum felt great on my skin, especially when I applied them right after I used the eye patches. They gave my skin a nice cooling sensation and left the area around my eyes feeling extremely hydrated.

I suggest not to make any plans directly after using WrinkleMD. The system does leave your skin red where the patches were applied. For me, it was about the same redness I would get from a wax and disappeared after 30 minutes to an hour. I do believe the redness could be concealed pretty well with makeup if you did have to go out right away.

After my first application, I instantly noticed a brightening of my skin. After a couple applications, I noticed a plumping around my eyes. Overall, I’ve noticed smoother, brighter, fresher skin.

At the risk of looking a little silly with those sticky eye patches on, WrinkleMD is a great alternative to needles and injections.

Using the WrinkleMD Eye System in preparation for your wedding might just be the answer you were looking for in your quest for flawless skin.

The WrinkleMD Eye System is available for purchase at universitymedical.com for $129 for a Deluxe 30-Day Kit.

Blog Post by Aimee Carroll, resident Girl Tested, Bride Approved Columnist.

Photos courtesy of University Medical.

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For what seems like my entire life, I’ve been searching for the perfect tank top. One that’s long enough (but not too long), one that’s thick enough (but not too thick), one that keeps its shape wash after wash, and one that lasts longer than just one season…suffice it to say that I’m a little picky. My husband just rolls his eyes whenever I come home with some newly discovered tanks to try, knowing that I’m just a little high maintenance in my constant quest.

Imagine my delight when I found, for me, THE  perfect tank…Tank Essential!

The company’s mission: “It is the simple solution to a problem most women encounter.  Most tanks and camisoles are made of low quality fabric that does not hold up in the laundry, offer no support, or too little coverage to wear them without a bra underneath.  In 2008, unable to find a longer length tank top and weary of the bunching and bulk that is created when you layer a bra, a camisole and a blouse or t-shirt, the Tank Essential team set out create something better.  Something customized to each woman’s individual needs.  Tank Essential was born.”

It’s this customization that I love the most! Each tank is built according to your own desires in neckline, length, support (shelf bra or no shelf bra) and straps, and they’re each made from a luxurious cotton blend.

And, it’s a local Sacramento-based company too! We love that!

Now that I’ve discovered my perfect tank in Tank Essential, I’ll have to find something else to drive my husband nuts with (yeah, like that’s going to be too difficult! Note the sarcasm.)!

If you, too, are on the quest for the perfect tank, check out Tank Essential’s Web site and Facebook!

Blog post by Editor/Publisher Wendy Sipple.

Photos courtesy of Tank Essential.

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Glowing skin has always been the envy of my eye. How nice it must be to wake up with a clear, glowing complexion every morning! Unfortunately, it’s something I’ve never been able to achieve; no matter the type or amount of face products I use or number of facials I get, my face still requires some assistance from make-up.

While I had heard of microdermabrasion plenty of times – mainly when living in Southern California where staying on top of beauty regimens is a must – I never took the time to learn more about the treatment or have it done. Recently, however, I caved in to see what the “lunchtime peel” is all about.

I scheduled my appointment at Vitality Medical Laser & Skin Clinic in Folsom after being recommended by a fellow Real Weddings staffer. The clean office had a warm, inviting ambience to it, and on my visit, was staffed with a friendly receptionist whom immediately welcomed me in and eased all nerves. The first-time patient paperwork was harmless and soon after completing it, my esthetician Megan brought me into the room. After asking some general questions about my skin and allergies and explaining the microdermabrasion procedure, she began.

First, Megan cleansed my face and then applied a mild, medical-grade chemical peel. While she warned me it may sting a bit, I experienced no discomfort. In fact, if anything, I began to relax. The non-invasive, exfoliating chemical peel was made up of fruit and nut acids, as well as herbs and antioxidants – helping to “loosen the ‘glue’ that binds the dead skin cells to the skin’s surface and increase the production of collagen.”

Next, it was time for the microdermabrasion. An abrasion tool was guided over each area of my face, gently exfoliating the top layer of skin and buffing away the dead and dull skin cells. Megan compared the feeling of the abrasion tool to “a cat licking my face,” which was pretty accurate – except for the fact that cats don’t clean out pores and stimulate collagen production! Upon completion of the painless process, my baby soft and pink (the redness faded about an hour after) face was covered with a medical-grade sunscreen moisturizer and another product to help even out my skin tone.

The entire procedure lasted approximately one hour (hence the “lunchtime peel” nickname), but the results are said to last anywhere from four to six weeks. It’s now nearly two weeks later, and my face has never looked as fresh or felt so soft. And, for the first time ever, I feel like my skin just might be the envy of someone else’s eye!

If you’d like to try a microdermabrasion for yourself at Vitality, visit vitalitymedicallaserandskin.com.

Blog post by Real Weddings Managing Editor Megan Wiskus, filling in for Girl Tested, Bride Approved Columnist Aimee Carroll.

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Every girl loves a good bachelorette party. Could it be because we get to ditch our sweet, innocent and responsible selves for a daring alter-ego? Even for just one night?

The best thing about having an alter-ego is not just playing the part, but looking the part! I mean, come on, we all love getting dressed up! And, with any fashion statement, the look must be fine-tuned with complementary styling in the hair and make-up department!

If you’re looking for that one item to complete your alter-ego façade, the “icing-on-cake,” then check out the creative and outrageous faux eyelashes from Napoleon Perdis Lash Patrol.

Whatever your alter-ego may be, Napoleon Perdis Lash Patrol has just the right eyelashes to polish off any look.

Playing that sweet, angelic, porcelain character? Then check out the darling tear-drop “Chinadoll” lash.

What about the super hot, scandalous, head-turning type? For that added shock value, you just got to have the feathered, hot pink “Pompadour” lash.

These unique lashes apply the same as any other traditional faux eyelashes and can be applied with any lash glue. It’s that easy!

Not feeling very adventurous? Don’t worry Real Weddings  brides; Napoleon Perdis Lash Patrol has got you covered with beautiful, natural, individual false lashes for your big day as well.

The Napoleon Perdis Lash Patrol Eye Lashes are available in sets (Lash Patrol Faux Lashes; $12) and as individuals (Lash Patrol Individuals; $9).

Fun, sweet, sexy or cute – find the lash to suite your mood at  NapoleonPerdis.com.

Blog Post by Aimee Carroll, resident Girl Tested, Bride Approved Columnist.

Photos courtesy of Napoleon Perdis Lash Patrol.

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My husband and I have always been beach lovers. Rain, shine, wind or cold, we’d rather be at the beach than anywhere else (you should have seen us on our honeymoon, lying on a Caribbean beach in the pouring rain)!

Being Sacramento residents, we’ve always thought that we had to drive to Southern California to enjoy the beach — that is, until we recently discovered Half Moon Bay.

Just 25 miles past San Francisco and you’re there! Half Moon Bay has it all from world-class surfing (have you heard of the Big Kahunas at Maverick’s?), fine dining, luxurious accommodations, a plethora of outdoor activities and a charming historic downtown to complete the “beach-town” vibe.

Recommended Resort: Beach House Hotel, Half Moon Bay. Let me start this off by saying, “We love, love, love this hotel!” The Beach House Hotel has thought of everything when it comes to making their guests feel right at home.

With amenities like free WiFi, complimentary bottled waters, a fully stocked kitchenette, a wood-burning fireplace, comfy goose-down comforters and (my personal favorite) Aveda bath products, it was hard to leave.

The Beach House Hotel also offers a variety of complimentary perks (yes, that means gift with purchase!), including: a wine and cheese reception on Friday and Saturday evenings, continental breakfast, heated outdoor pool and spa overlooking the ocean, and did I mention the complimentary Internet access?!

Our room had the most breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and Pillar Point Harbor. With a private deck right above the beach, we really didn’t have any reason to leave. We got to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the ocean from our patio — all with the comforts of our hotel suite just a couple steps away.

Check In: Beach House Hotel. 4100 North Cabrillo Highway in Half Moon Bay. 800-315-9366, beach-house.com.

Check Out: The couples’ massage at the Beach House Spa. Join your honey for a little side-by-side rest and relaxation. If you’re looking for a more active way to clear your mind, the spa also offers private yoga sessions in the privacy of your own room! How cool is that?

Don’t Miss: Sam’s Chowder House. Just a short walk from The Beach House Hotel along a paved beach front path and you’ve arrived at a critically acclaimed restaurant offering fresh, local seafood cuisine.

Sam’s Chowder House is a complete dining experience. Not only is the food delicious, but the views are spectacular, the service is outstanding and the live music (on Friday and Saturday nights) creates a fun, upbeat atmosphere.

We’re definitely coming back to enjoy the dog-friendly outdoor patio. I’m looking forward to pulling up an Adirondack chair, sitting by the fire pit with a cocktail and enjoying the ocean views. The coolest part about this is that we can check out the weather before we head over. Sam’s Chowder House offers a live “SamCam” on their Web site, samschowderhouse.com.

On a side note, not only are the Beach House Hotel and Sam’s Chowder House great mini-moon destinations, they both offer really cool wedding and reception facilities as well. If you’re looking for a Northern California, beach front wedding location, be sure to check these places out!

For more information about Half Moon Bay, please visit visithalfmoonbay.org.

Want more honeymoon ideas? Check out our other Mini-Moon and Honeymoon Blog Posts!

Blog Post by Aimee Carroll, Resident Girl Tested-Bride Approved columnist.

Photos courtesy of Beach House Hotel, Half Moon Bay, Sam’s Chowder House and Half Moon Bay Chamber of Commerce & Visitors’ Bureau.

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