Thank you all for participating to our glycerin soap giveaway! It’s been fun reading your faves! Now, let’s see who the winners are:

Comments no 31 and 65! Congratulations, Sharon R. and Lisa! Each of you won a bar of our beautiful Myrrh soap! You’ll receive an e-mail from us; please respond within 2 days or other names will be chosen.

See you at our next giveaway!

I hope you had a great Valentine’s Day! Now it’s time for another soap giveaway! Check this out:

About the Giveaway:

Open to US residents only. We only ship to the United States.

Prize: 1 bar of Myrrh Glycerin Soap

Winners: 2

How to enter (required): Visit MagicSenses.com and then come back and leave a comment telling us the name of your favorite soap!

For additional entries (leave a new comment for each additional entry):
1. one additional entry if you grab our button from the sidebar and post it on your blog, please post the link;
2. one additional entry if you sign up for our Newsletter (the form is on the sidebar);
3. one additional entry if you join our Fan Club on Facebook;
4. one additional entry if you follow us on Twitter (we have a new Twitter name!!);
5. one additional entry if you send a tweet about this giveaway, please post the link (once a day only);
6. one additional entry if you fave us on Technorati;
7. one additional entry if you blog about this Giveaway with a link back to MagicSenses.com
8. one additional entry if you follow our Blog via email.

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The giveaway ends on Tuesday, March the 9th, 2010 (end of day). Don’t hesitate to tell your friends!

*Please make sure you leave a comment for each additional entry so you get credited.
*Also, please make sure you typed in the correct email address.
*The winners will be chosen via random.org and announced online and via e-mail.

Good luck!!

This morning, Lynsey from Cuteable.com featured our Hyacinth Glycerin Soap in her “Cuteable Finds” post.

You can read her post here.

Thanks again, Lynsey!

At Magic Senses, it’s easy for us to sing the praises of vegetable glycerin soap, but for readers looking for the cold, hard facts – there’s nothing like hearing the opinions and recommendations of a medical professional. With the help of two certified doctors, we hope to shed light on the top reasons to add vegetable glycerin soap to your daily skincare regimen.

Dr. Raphael Darvish, founder of Skinpeccable (Dermatology and Cosmetic Laser Center), shared with us his top five reasons for using glycerin soap. “Vegetable glycerin is beneficial for softening the skin, helpful for retaining moisture, and is non-irritating and hypoallergenic.” He also mentions that vegetable glycerin contains no animal products and provides a natural alternative for skin care. This characteristic of vegetable glycerin soap not only provides an effective choice for people with sensitive skin, but also satisfies the personal beliefs of vegans, who refrain from using products that contain animal by-products.

Since vegetable glycerin soap helps retain moisture and soften the skin, it possesses the ability to alleviate common issues, such as dry skin problems. Dr. Cynthia Bailey, a practicing dermatologist and skin care expert in Sonoma County, California, recommends glycerin soap to her patients. Due to its mild cleansing action, Dr. Bailey notes that glycerin soaps also correspond with a healthy winter skin care routine.

The majority of commercial soaps on the market contain harsh chemicals that rob your skin of its natural protective oils. Washing your hands in hot water and coming in contact with other sources of irritation also contribute to your susceptibility to the unforgiving elements of colder weather.  In the end, you’re left with itchy, chapped skin plagued with dryness. These harsh chemicals come in many disguises.

For instance, hand sanitizers become increasingly popular during flu season, but what many don’t realize is they typically contain at least 60% alcohol – affecting your hand’s natural oils and drying out your skin. To cut down on irritation and excessive dryness of the hands, Dr. Bailey suggests using gentle, non-drying cleansers, such as bar soaps made out of glycerin.

From infants to sensitive skin users, anyone can benefit from using vegetable glycerin soap as part of their skincare routine. Whether you’re looking for a product that gently cleanses the skin, encourages soft and supple skin, provides non-irritating sanitization, or accommodates skin conditions (such as eczema and psoriasis) – consider using doctor-approved vegetable glycerin soap to meet your skincare needs.

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Dr. Raphael Darvish founded Skinpeccable in 2004 to provide the highest quality dermatology care in a setting that is relaxing and comfortable. A graduate of the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Dr. Darvish completed his post-graduate residency training at Harbor/UCLA Medical Center. Having worked with the latest advancements in cosmetic lasers, Dr. Darvish has rapidly become a pioneer in the world of cosmetic dermatology and laser medicine.

Dr. Cynthia Bailey opened her general and surgical dermatology practice doors in 1991 with an emphasis on skin cancer and wholesome skin care. Prior to opening her private practice, Dr. Bailey was on the full time clinical teaching faculty at University of California San Diego Medical School. While there, she also conducted laboratory research on the effect of sunlight on skin.

We all want skin with a clear complexion and healthy glow. We oftentimes buy expensive products to eliminate blemishes and keep skin full of moisture. Unfortunately, the majority of soaps found at your local grocery store contain chemicals and additives that adversely affect the texture and appearance of your skin. Nowadays, an increasing number of people are discovering the benefits of glycerin soaps that not only pamper sensitive skin, but also treat common skin conditions.

Many commercial soaps dry out the skin and can even cause unnecessary irritation. With glycerin soap, you can take advantage of its humectant properties, which work to attract moisture. Due to the power of vegetable-based oils, glycerin soaps offers natural benefits that hydrate the skin and keep it supple. Handcrafted glycerin soap also helps treat medical issues, such as eczema, acne, and psoriasis.

Eczema

Traditional soaps generally contain alcohol, lye, petroleum, and other unforgiving chemicals that worsen skin conditions, like eczema. To treat eczema, choose glycerin soap and goat milk soap, which actually encourages skin to heal. Keeping skin moisturized is an effective approach towards easing the symptoms of eczema, which include itchy, dry, thickened skin that usually attacks the face, hands, neck, and legs. Containing gentle pieces of oatmeal, our Milk and Honey handcrafted soap not only looks soothingly attractive, but also smells divine.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis causes skin to exfoliate at a faster rate, where new skin appears before older cells are shed. The condition creates thick patches of itchy and scaly skin on the hands, elbows, back, feet and scalp. While there is no cure for this skin condition, treatments can help control symptoms. For example, replace regular bath soaps with non-irritating glycerin soaps made with natural ingredients. Choose glycerin soaps that contain oatmeal to soothe inflammation. Magic Senses offers a spectacular Oatmeal Collection that provides the relaxing scents of lavender, almond and sandalwood – perfect for treating not only the physical symptoms of a skin condition, but also the anxiety.

Acne

Glycerin soap also serves as an effective natural acne treatment, as it gently cleanses without drying out the skin or aggravating existing blemishes. With nothing but natural ingredients, Magic Senses helps you tame unbalanced skin and reclaim a healthy clear complexion in a variety of well-known and exotic fragrances, including Freesia, Honeysuckle Dew, and Spiced Apple.

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Important health disclaimer: The information presented on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace advice from your physician or any information found on any product label or packaging. If you have a skin disease, you should always consult with your doctor before using our or any products on your skin.

Our handcrafted Cranberry glycerin soap offers a refreshing display with an attractive clear red base and bright red curls. A normal shower or bath becomes a rush of crushed cranberries accompanied by a sweet scent that fully awakens the senses. Handcrafted with love and natural ingredients, Magic Senses Cranberry soap is much more than a holiday bestseller. Below you will find five enchanting ways to use one of our most popular glycerin soaps:

1. Housewarming Gift

There’s nothing like a housewarming gift that warms the mind and body. While loved one(s) unpack their belongings and settle into a new home, lessen their stress with a moisturizing soap drenched in the soothing scent of vibrant cranberries.

2. Festive Bathroom Décor

The scent of cranberry soap is uplifting and lively, making it the perfect addition to energize drab bathroom décor. Use the soaps to outfit guest bathrooms with a treat for visitors – a moisturizing bar of handcrafted soap made with fragrance oils and hypoallergenic vegetable glycerin.

3. Bath and Beauty Gift Basket

When you’re at a loss for gift ideas, handcrafted soaps offer a thoughtful (and functional) gesture for family and friends. With a decorative basket lined with a few pieces of red tissue paper, create a fragrant gift topped with curled ribbons for romantic occasions or joyful holidays. For the fruit lover, pair our cranberry soap with another Magic Senses’ fruity selection, such as Grapefruit, Lime Cooler, or Mango Papaya.

4. A Workplace Treat

Add a touch of class to the office restroom by creating a small basket of cranberry glycerin soaps, which not only provides a visual treat, but also adds an inviting scent to the setting. During special occasions, give handcrafted soap to co-workers as gifts – for birthdays, Secret Santa exchanges, or retirement parties.

5. Holiday Gift Giving

As one of our leading holiday sellers, use the jolly shade of Cranberry glycerin soap as the perfect addition to a Christmas basket or Valentine’s Day arrangement. Oozing with love and cheer, mix and match other red-colored Magic Senses soaps, such as Butterfly Kisses, Cherry Vanilla, Cinnamon, Peppermint, Watermelon, and Strawberry Fields.

I just want to take a moment and thank Ms. Lassick from Autism Learning Felt for featuring our Butterfly Kisses Handcrafted Glycerin Soap in her “Valentine’s Gifts for the Senses”.

If you’d like to learn more about autism and how it affects Ms. Lassick’s life, please visit her blog.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Magic Senses is throwing a party and you’re invited to the celebration. Please accept an invitation to a delightful explosion of color and fragrance that captures the energy of its namesake. We’re talking about our Mardi Gras handcrafted glycerin soap, which oozes with an undeniable bliss you cannot refuse to acknowledge.

Inside the luxuriating clear base, you will find colorful specks of purple, pink and yellow confetti that when coupled with an almost candy-like, fruity scent is sure to send you into a festive mood. The intriguing natural fragrance that you smell is the exotic Japanese citrus scent called ‘yuzu’ – not known in the United States.

The yuzu fruit carries an aroma similar to a grapefruit, but with a less citrus twang. Our Mardi Gras soap perfectly delivers the sweetness of yuzu – a plant originating in East Asia. With a tart flavor, yuzu fruit adds a taste comparable to Mandarin oranges in Asian cuisine, and is used in the creation of marmalade, cakes, egg pudding, syrups, spicy sauces, and wine.

If you’re wondering why we would incorporate the yuzu fruit into our exquisite line of natural bath and beauty products, consider its popularity in Japan. The fruit is known for its strong scent, which makes effective fragranced skin oil.

The Japanese also include yuzu fragrances with their traditional bathing custom associated with Toji – the winter solstice. In a bath full of hot water, they allow the whole fruits to float, which creates an inviting atmosphere. Some people will cut the fruit in half to enhance the effect of the citrus juices in the bathwater. To enjoy this experience, you don’t have to prepare a yuzu bath (‘yuzuyu’), as you can create your own relaxing setting and moisturizing skin treatment with our Mardi Gras soap.

In the world of color, shades of blue represent many different moods and emotions. As a consumer, you can purchase products, like scented soaps, to harness the tranquil nature of sky blue, baby blue, and turquoise. Blue symbolizes peace, calm, harmony, stability, loyalty and cleanliness. The color is additionally linked to slowing down your pulse, lowering body temperature and even reducing your appetite. Explore the power of blue soaps by using one of our handcrafted soaps to create a relaxing environment.

On a worldwide level, the color blue has many different meanings. In China, blue is associated with immortality. Symbolizing holiness, blue is an important color for the Jewish faith. The Hindus see the color blue as a representation of Krishna – often referred to as the Supreme Being. In the Middle East, blue signifies protection, which is probably why the color is used in law enforcement.

Our Fresh and Clean Collection offers a range of attractive blue handcrafted soaps, including:

* Oceans: Inside the greenish blue clear base with waves of solid blue, the sensual scent of perfumed musk oil is a popular choice amongst men and women. The fun blue and green fish shapes not only channel the beauty of the ocean, but also create a fun bathroom atmosphere.

* Blue Musk: Solid and clear baby blue swirls swim in a clear base that provide the ultimate journey in cleanliness with an agreeable fragrance reminiscent of our Oceans and Rain soaps.

* Seaside: Transport yourself to a seaside escape with a blend of floral and salty sea air secured within a clear base decorated with waves of solid green and blue.

* China Rain: With a soft scent of freshness joined with undertones of sweet bamboo, allow the fresh fragrance of China Rain to create tranquil daydreams.

Since blue is a color that reflects reliability in business circles, what better way to send a thoughtful (and functional) gesture to clients and partners than with a gift basket filled with “reliable” handcrafted soaps. For example, our Mini Aqua Gift Set contains our popular Oceans and Rain blue soaps.

I hope everybody had a wonderful Holiday season. It’s time to reveal the winners of the Winter Soap Giveaway. As always, it’s been a pleasure reading all your messages! Here we go:

First prize: comment no 84. Congratulations, Karen! You just won a Snowman & Snowflakes gift set!

Second prize: comments no: 125, 37, 132, 210, 90, 192, 59, 78, 199, 15. Congratulations! Each of you won a snowman soap!

All winners will receive an e-mail from us and have 2 days to respond or other name will be chosen.

Thank you, all! I’ll see you at our next giveaway, in a week or so! I wish you a MAGIC 2010!