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Double Duty Beauty

Don't you wish that you had more space in your cosmetic closet? Don't even get me started! Every beauty junkie wishes that she had an extra shelf or two (or, ahem, six) to fill with her favorite products. However, there are a few products out there that are excellent multi-taskers - if you need the space as badly as all of us here at Cosmetic Connection, check out these goodies that provide double-duty beauty! Not only do they free up space at home, they are excellent for travel, when suitcase space is at a real premium.

Cleanse + Condition + Shave
One of my favorite "new to me" product finds is Grassroots Get It Together 2-in-1 Shampoo and Conditioner. However, this item is really a triple duty powerhouse. Not only does it cleanse and condition hair really nicely, without weighing it down like many 2-in-1 products - thanks to high quality ingredients like wheat protein, aloe, and rosemary extract. It is also lathers up to be one of the best shave creams EVER. It works especially well for "bikini area" shaving (yes, it is almost that time of year again!) but is also wonderful for legs and underarms. That extra bit of conditioner really softens hair, and helps you get a VERY close shave. It also happens to smell absolutely delicious - a mixture of apple, mint, and ambrette that I just can't get enough of. The square plastic bottle also makes it easy for travel. You can find the Grassroots line at Kohl's.

Moisturize + Heal
No medicine cabinet should be without Jing Jang Moisturizer Creme. I use it almost every day for something. Jing Jang soothes, moisturizes, protects and heals skin: an all-natural herbal remedy that provides relief for a host of nasty skin irritations - everything from chapped lips to razor burn, acne to heat rash, and bruises to vaginal soreness (yes, really). And, Jing Jang is 100% organic. I finally had to get my husband his own jar because he kept swiping mine. You can but Jing Jang at Beauty.com.

Skin Moisturizer + Hair Styling Balm
Fresh Orange-Chocolate Shea Butter is a sweet deal, in more ways than one! Dark cocoa extract blended with Italian orange peel provide the luscious fragrance in this moisturizing shea butter. A "hard" balm to start with, it becomes more fluid when you work it with your palms. In the beginning, I used it for lip balm, and as a concentrated moisturizer for especially dry bits like knees and elbows. It was not until a business trip that I forgot my normal hair texturizing paste (Jonathan Product Dirt Texturizing Paste) that I tried it to calm fly-aways and winter static. I really liked it! The secret is to use a very small amount. I also like the fact that it conditions hair. I can definitely tell a difference in my hair's shine and softness, even after I wash it out! You can purchase Fresh at Beauty.com.

Cleanser + Toner
Philosophy Purity Made Simple isn't a "true" cleanser and toner, but my skin feels so perfectly clean after I use it, you would swear that it has a split personality! This has been one of my favorite facial cleansers for going on two years now, and I have re-bought it several times. Labeled a "liquid crystal cleanser," it emulsifies slightly as opposed to lathering like soap. It does an amazing job of removing makeup effortlessly and completely, without making me feel tight or dry. I also like the fact that when you rinse it off (I use a washcloth) it feels like you've used a toner! My skin is smooth and glowing, and even breakouts seem to heal faster when I use it every day. I am amazed that such a seemingly-simple product is one of the best cleansers I've ever used! You can purchase Philosophy at Sephora.com.

Remember, we love to hear your input at Cosmetic Connection. If you have a favorite multi-taking beauty item, just send us an email and tell us about it!
- Lisa

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Posted April 7, 2006

« Seven days of Lily Lambert: Day 7! | Main | Get Glowing the "Natural" Way »

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