Nice Lips

My lips are constantly chapped during the winter time, so I go through a LOT of chapstick. But before I slather it on, I like to know that the stuff hasn’t been tested on animals first. PETA’s adorable lip balms make this promise and more. While many products claim not to be tested on animals, very few can say they’re made without any animal byproducts whatsoever—PETA even eliminates beeswax! It’s good to know what you’re applying to your pucker hasn’t hurt an innocent creature. And you don’t have to be a vegetarian to love this stuff! The lips balms come in Fruit Smoothie, Tangerine, Vanilla Bean, Peppermint, and “PETA Compassion” Fruit. Of course, if you’re interested in eating a meat-free diet, visit www.peta.org. (I can tell you, I’ve been off the stuff for about a year, and I feel pretty good.) Proceeds from the goods help PETA fight against animal cruelty. And whether or not you enjoy a burger or own fur, you know you can’t disagree with that. The sticks are only $3 a pop, and you REALLY can’t disagree with that. Order here.

2 For 1 Elemis Facials at Nordstrom NorthPark

The skinny, courtesy Christine Sracic:

If your skin isn’t necessarily adjusting to the slight weather change we’re experiencing, not to worry. Nordstrom NorthPark has the perfect remedy for your dry, pasty mug. Each Tuesday and Wednesday during the month of November, you and a friend should make a beeline straight to the Elemis counter, where you can book two SpaPod appointments for the price of one. That’s two facials from the famous London-based skin-care line for only $55. (Why aren’t you writing this in your calendar already?)

In case you’re not familiar with what the SpaPod experience entails, here’s the scoop. You’ll choose one of four facial therapies, which include Pro-Collagen, City Survival, Skin Radiance, and for your man, the aptly named “Only for Men.” The 30-minute Power Booster Facials are performed on an “Intelligent Massage Chair” that measures the length of your spine, takes your body weight, warms your body, and gives a customized massage, focusing on your calves, legs, buttocks, back, and neck. We’re not quite sure why it needs our body weight, but everything else sounds absolutely divine. We’ll see you at the counter.

Morning Workout Sans iPod Makes ShopTalker Grumpy

My pink iPod mini circa 2005 just doesn’t hold juice like it used to. So when it died this morning before I burned a single calorie, I may not have been shocked, but I was still saddened. I almost bailed on the workout altogether, but then I remembered that there was life before the iPod—and I lived it. In fact, I remember power walking with a Sony Discman, for goodness’ sake! Remember those? Pearl Jam never sounded so sweet. But that’s not the point. The point is I finished the workout with no music blaring in my ears. And it was miserable! The minutes creeped by. So what should I do? Buy one of these? Get over it? Bring back the Discman in case of emergency? Talkers, what do you think? Is it time to ditch the mini?

Kanebo Sensai Concealer Delivers

I’m not a big concealer person, and there’s only one reason why—I can’t stand when it settles into the fine wrinkles under my eyes. I’ll take dark circles over highlighted, white crows feet any day. At least the former is a natural occurrence. So it was with great skepticism that I sampled Senai’s Brush-Type Concealer. After giving a few pumps to the dispenser, I went straight for the eyes and couldn’t believe how soft the brush felt. It was like applying makeup with strands of silk. Then I was certain the color was too light and I’d be sporting the reverse racoon. But I lightly patted the streaks of color, and it blended perfectly, brightening every dark patch in it’s way. Giving more than just great coverage, however, the product leaves the skin feeling soft and supple, not oily or sticky. This, I learned, is because Kanebo’s skincare experts enriched the concealer with moisturizing, firming, and anti-aging ingredients like Kanzo Extract (soothes and helps prevent irritation), Koishimaru Silk Extract (prevents moisture loss and facilitates smooth application), and Moistened Powder (helps skin retain its natural oil). Don’t you just love how makeup is moving in the treatment direction? Look good, feel good, and actually improve your skin—a modern marvel. Oh, and worrying about “settling” is a thing of the past. This concealer goes the distance, lasting until you take it off, be that post work or post party. Can you tell I’m a fan?

Eat Smart(er) At Long John Silver’s

The fried-seafood fast-food chain has just announced that it’s now offering more healthful dining options with its Freshside Grille menu. The three new entrees at Long John Silver’s—grilled tilapia, grilled salmon, and shrimp scampi—have 10 grams of fat or less, which is pretty close to the fat content in Subway’s Fresh Fit sandwiches. (Watch out, Jared!) The new meals at LJS also have reduced calories, but I didn’t see any mention of sodium content. (As someone who emerged from a salt-sensitive gene pool, that’s something I try to watch out for.) So, using Long John Silver’s handy nutrition calculator, I figured it out. Go here if you’d like to see the full nutrition info for the grilled salmon, a side of veggies, and a medium Diet Pepsi. For eating on the run, it’s not too bad. I haven’t been to LJS in just over a million years, but this makes things a little more appealing. Go fish!