First of all, let me say I am a skeptic when it comes to products that tout amazing results. So when NuFACE sent me their NuFACE mini facial toning device, I wasn’t expecting any great results. But I am very surprised and impressed with this device. It does work.

NuFACE mini has lived up to the hype. The first time I used it I saw results and after several days, others saw results on my face as well. The device says it is a 5 Minute Facelift. For those of us that could use a little fine-tuning and freshening, this fits the bill. And not only does it tone the facial muscles, it makes skin look healthier. Someone just told me my skin looks great, and it really does.

So how does this device work? It uses microcurrent technology, which is a soft wave. This stimulates the skin and the underlying muscles.

To use the NuFACE mini, when you first open the box charge the device for 16 hours. Then wash your face with an oil-free cleanser and make sure all makeup and creams have been removed from your face. Then lightly spread the Gel Primer to one cheek and jawline. Turn on the device and set it to the strength you want. There are three settings. I started with the highest and have not had any problems however some people might feel more comfortable starting at a lower setting. The next step is to place the device on your jawline and slowly glide it up to your ear. Then repeat that a little higher on your cheek and one more time just a little higher. Repeat these steps three times. The next step is the forehead area. All the instructions are provided in the box, however this link will show exactly how to use the NuFACE.

The company says the microcurrent technology began as a medical treatment for atrophied facial muscles. What I have found after using the unit for a little while is that my face looks tighter and my skin looks smoother and softer. And it is smooth to the touch. As I mentioned earlier, others have commented on the appearance of my skin so this device is definitely doing something. I have also noticed a slight lift in my forehead and cheek. As a matter of fact, the smile lines are noticeably reduced. And yes, I am surprised.

I wouldn’t say the NuFACE mini is a replacement for a facelift, if you are thinking about surgery, however if you just need a little freshening, I feel this is worth trying.

The NuFACE has been approved by the FDA for use on the face.

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about products, travel, and entertainment. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.

Follow her on Twitter

Dress baby from head to toe with the new Boppy clothing collection, a sweet multi-piece collection that include jackets, bodysuits, buntings, leggings and sleepers. The comfortable cotton garments are tagless and made with flat seams for better comfort and less irritation. The two-way zippers make for quick and easy changes, and are fully encased to prevent rubbing on young necks. Available at Babies R Us, Kohl’s, Target.com, Navy, Fred Meyer, Stage.com, Kroger and Buy Buy Baby. $24 – $36

We all know the sun is bad for us. And we all want to look tan and healthy instead of pale and ghostly, especially in the summer during swimsuit and shorts season. For decades many of us have relied on spray tans in the salons and self-tanning lotions to get a healthy glow. Skinny Tan is a product from Australia that is now available in the United States.

What makes Skinny Tan different from other self-tanners on the market? First of all, instead of that strong, unpleasant smell of most of the others, Skinny Tan has a tropical, coconut scent that will make you feel like you’re on vacation in the Hawaii or the Caribbean. It’s a light, pleasant scent.

Secondly, Skinny Tan is a light brown color to help users spread it evenly on their skin, instead of being white so when you use it you don’t see where it’s been applied. This color guide is beneficial to getting an even bronze. The key is not to over do the spreading of the lotion. It doesn’t take a lot of product to cover your skin, and with the help of the lotion that goes on brown, you’ll see exactly which areas have been covered.

Finally, Skinny Tan is supposed to reduce the appearance of cellulite. This is the only thing I didn’t see when I tested this product. But that’s not to say others will.

As someone who has tried multiple self-tanners through the years, I can say that this is definitely a good product, even if I don’t credit it with reducing the look of cellulite. I love the scent, which has been a pet peeve of mine in the past. I have not been comfortable with the scents of other self-tanners. And the color is not fake looking. It is a healthy bronze that looks as though I spent a day at the beach.

To test this product I first used the Pre-Tan Primer, which is a gentle exfoliate that also has the coconut scent. This made my skin soft and evened out the rough spots to make it smoother for the tanning lotion. It’s good to use this especially on elbows, knees, ankles, toes, and fingers (if you are tanning your hands). Even if you aren’t tanning, this is an exfoliate I would still use regularly because it works wonders and smells delicious.

Then I spread the Skinny Tan 7-Day Tanner on my legs. With the color guide, I didn’t have any blank spots, which has happened in the past with other products. It didn’t take long before my legs had a healthy glow, which is supposed to last for seven days.

The thing I don’t like about self-tanners is the wait time before you can touch anything. True, this is a problem with them all, but we have to sacrifice a little to get that gorgeous bronze skin in a healthy way. The length of time until this lotion dried and I was able to sit on the couch without worrying about transferring the color or smudging my legs was only about 20 minutes.

The company recommends keeping the product on for eight hours before rinsing it off. Overnight is a good length of time. When it is rinsed off the color has already tinted your skin. For me there were no streaks, only a light brown color all over my legs.

While I didn’t see any difference in cellulite appearance, I still like this product because of the scent and the ease of application. And, the final result definitely meets my approval. The color is good and there are no streaks.

The product contains Guarana, an ingredient that is common in cellulite creams, so after time it might do something to change the look of cellulite, but I wouldn’t recommend this product solely for that reason. If you want a healthy easy-to-apply self-tanner with a tropical scent, then this is a product for you.

There are several options in the Skinny Tan line of self-tanning products. Check their website.

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about products, travel, and entertainment. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.

Follow her on Twitter

The Darling Set is the newest addition to the Little Cosmetics collection! Complete with realistic palettes, sparkle brushes, and a newly designed cosmetic bag, this pretend makeup looks and feels real, but doesn’t apply or transfer to the skin. Completely mess-free, fake makeup! Set includes:
Powder Compact
Rose Shimmer Glitter Pot
Grape Shimmer Glitter Pot
Wildflowers Artist Palette
Pink Lemonade Lipgloss
Floral Fuchsia Lipstick
Makeup Brush Set
Wildflowers Cosmetic Bag
Little Cosmetics pretend makeup does not apply or transfer onto skin. This is not real makeup. Little Cosmetics is fake pretend makeup intended for creative play.
Warning: Choking hazard. Contains small parts. Not for children under 3.
$24.99

Choose from solid blue with red points and a USA flag emblem, or go all out with red and white stripes and blue points. Both styles feature a star-spangled non-slip grip on the bottom, perfect for lazy days that are too laid back for shoes. These patriotic socks boast a soft brushed inner that caresses the skin, and are non-binding, so won’t leave unsightly red rings, or cause issue with circulation.
Fully machine washable and available in both mens and womens sizes.
Perfect for Ages 12 and Up, Including Adults. Only $17.99.

The Carter’s Puppy Waggy Musical is a cozy and cuddly little friend who will sing “How Much is that Doggie in the Window” to little ones. Its’ tail wags for ultimate enjoyment for babies who will be amzaed by the simple “magic”.
Perfect for Newborns & Up. Only $22.00!

Revolutionize your favorite pair of shoes instantly with the Neon Street Roller by Yvolution.

These heel skates can fit most shoes and offer a customized fit with an adjustable quick lock size system. Simply adjust it, strap in and GO! Easy to master, kids control how fast they ride and just put their foot down to stop.

The NEON Street Rollers feature innovative wheel technology with bright light-up LED’s. With each turn of the wheel, the LED’s glow. No batteries needed!

Available in pink, green and blue. Ages 6+; Max weight: 132 lbs
Available at Walmart & Toys “R” Us