Bioelements Moisture Positive Cleaner

A new facial cleansing product, Bioelements Moisture Positive Cleanser, has been a huge success at thoroughly and gently cleansing this somewhatfortylplus face for the past six weeks. For combination to dry skin, the gentle cleanser leaves the skin soft, moisturized and extremely clean without stripping the skin of natural oils, leaving it pH balanced and supple, not tight, as some cleansers. The product goes on damp skin, is massaged in and rinsed off with warm water. The skin feels wonderfully hydrated. Available at several online sites, the best price of $22.95 for a 6 ounce bottle is here.

The active ingredients include: Ginseng, Sumac, Gotu Kola, Dong Quai and Watercress -- to support and strengthen the skin, helping it with stand daily stress; sandalwood -- to heal and soothe skin; sage -- for healing skin tissue; geranium -- used as an astringent and for regenerating skin; rosemary -- as an antiseptic and for balancing and rejuvenating skin; and lavender -- as an antiseptic and for healing skin.

While several skin cleansers are on the market, Bioelements got it right with their Moisture Positive Cleanser.

Photo attribution: Bioelements

Neutrogena Age Shield FACE Sunblock

Protecting one's face from the ravages of sunburn has been a personal pursuit for the past fifteen to twenty years as birthdays keep adding up. On a recent island vacation, Neutrogena Age Shield FACE Sunblock with a SPF of 55 provided superior anti-aging oil-free non-greasy protection that needs to be shared. This "advanced sunscreen technology" actually shields skin six layers deep from skin aging UVA rays that will later need the help of a plastic surgeon. The new dermatologist-tested formula, which is available with SPF's from 55 to 85, contains Helioplex^™ technology, the latest breakthrough in UV protection. According to the manufacturer, "Helioplex^™ delivers unbeatable UVA protection and works better to help prevent damaging UVA rays from penetrating deep under skin’s surface" which would result in additional wrinkles, sagging skin, and discoloration. Protecting one's face from harm is easier than the alternative surgical repair from sun abuse. After six days of using the sunblock with the SPF of 55 in the hot island sun, my face was not burned but it did receive somewhat of a light tan. In the afternoon each day, as the sun burned hotter, I switched to the sunblock with the higher SPF of 70 for additional skin protection.

Neutrogena Age Shield FACE sunblock works in two unique ways to protect the skin: it helps screen out damaging UVB burning rays, and it also helps stop UVA skin aging rays from penetrating the skin's surface. The ultra light formula was easy to apply and non-greasy, leaving a non-shiny surface. It was also applied to the neck and chest area to avoid burning and additional problems that would result. For anyone hoping for a tan without the usual skin sagging that results years down the road, grab a tube of Neutrogena's Age Shield FACE sunblock and start using it now, before you wish you had. Grade: A+
Photo Attribution: Neutrogena

Personal Best: Top Five Blog Posts of 2007 + Two

While it is true somewhatfortyplus+ is one of the new kids in the big blogosphere, it has been a good run with several viewers, a few comments, and a general feeling of accomplishment. A look back brings the most read posts to the top for one more round. These are the most popular, as determined by Google's stat counter. If you had another personal favorite, so did I, but you can't argue with statistics.

Not my daughter's jeans was the most popular article, but knowing the struggles faced to look good in jeans, once you wear a pair of these slimming jeans you won't go back to yours, and you will never wear mom jeans again. This post had the most readers ever!

Creating a good looking holiday floral arrangement got easier with step by step directions anyone could follow. Easy, sophisticated and fool proof, this post came in second as most popular.

The third most read post was Combating the visible signs of aging , which has to be a priority for men and women alike. This product is actually remarkable, getting the job done, and while skeptical at first, I am grateful today. More to follow.

The saga of cleaning lady antics with broken glass was discussed in Tiffany cup no more - the fourth most read post of 2007. Of course this problem was resolved in Tiffany Delivers.

And Cashmere: How Soft Though Art came in fifth, thanks to cold temps, the anti-itch factor of cashmere, and probably several readers in snow filled Chicagoland. While these posts had the most readers, two not mentioned were the most fun to write, creating that fabulous sought after feeling of accomplishment we all desire. Blogger Boy, the antics of a blog writer, was inspirational in that BB encouraged this blog. But the best, most fun, and my all time favorite gives heed to the blogosphere and all of its benefits in Blogging High. Give it a read.

So while end of year statements are over done, almost to the point of becoming trivial, not here, and not now. If the past year wasn't your best, the new year is yours for the claiming. I'm filled with do-able resolutions, optimism, and a blogging high. Happy New Year!

Photo attribution: somewhatfrank