It's very important to start good habits when it comes to personal hygiene! Visit Tween Girl Style Magazine for a chance to win Ottilie & Lulu's Spa Essentials gift set!

Give Your Tween A Sweet Valentine - A Gift That Keeps On Giving...TO THEIR SKIN AND BODY! Check out this review of Ottilie & Lulu's Spa Essentials Kit and Everyday Facial Moisturizer and Sunscreen SPF 20 for tween skin care!

Click here for the latest review and giveaway of our Spa Essentials Kit for beautiful tween skin!

The past ten years have been particularly informative in the skin care industry. Dermatologists now have a better understanding of what damages skin, how to prevent it, and who should be the most vigilant. The truth is, a significant amount of skin damage that occurs to a person's skin happens in the younger years of their life. That means tweens and teens have to be especially careful when caring for their skin if they want to avoid the unseemly wrinkles of the middle aged and older generations. However, positive skin care cleansers for tweens do not come in the same formulations that are suitable for adults.

Tweens' skin is more sensitive than an adult's skin. Common chemicals found in harsher adult cleansers, such as salicylic acid, can damage sensitive, youthful skin, provoking the very effects that tweens are trying to avoid. Instead of buying generic skin cleansers and using them indiscriminately, parents of tweens - Read More »

There is no magical line between the ages of thirteen and fourteen, nor between seven and eight, but it is between seven and fourteen that youth are often referred to as “tweens.” It is within this age group that children enter a strange limbo where they are still children but find their bodies and their skin changing. One of the major complications of puberty is the onset of increased oil on the surface of the skin. Many tweens begin to experience acne as early as ten years of age, and they start to use harsh, acidic cleansers and drying toners to control their newly developing blemishes. Finding tween face essentials that are effective, yet gentle enough for tween skin, is key.

Some parents think that using harsh cleansers and toners is the normal way for tweens to deal with blemishes. Many of these products, while good for teenage skin, are still too harsh and drying for young skin. Also, most adult - Read More »

More gift - Read More »

Click these links for the latest holiday gift ideas and enter for chances to win a prize pack of our products for tweens!

Learn more about Ottilie & Lulu's hair and skin products for girls by checking out these great reviews and experiences!

Keep reading below for links to more - Read More »

Skin damage does not happen overnight. In fact, 80% of the damage done to skin happens before the age of 18 because young skin is neglected and abused. Most tweens do not start with skin care until they see their first blemish. At that point, they do not have a daily hygiene habit, and as a result, they begin to abuse their skin with harsh, drying products that unbalance their skin. The science of tween skin care is simple: consistent, regular cleansing with a gentle, non-irritating formula, daily application of a moisturizer with a broad-spectrum protection sun screen, not only in summer, but also year-round, and keep hair away from the face during activities and while sleeping. Of course, a healthy diet and plenty of sleep are also part of this scientific formula for healthy tween skin.

As children grow into tweens, they have increased exposure to environmental elements, and with the onset of puberty, they . - Read More »

Skin care can be quite tricky, because just like our fingerprints, everybody’s skin is different. Some people have flakey dry skin, others have oily skin, and then there are those lucky few who have skin that is just right. Well, no matter what your skin type, there are some surefire basics to ensure that you are taking the right steps to care for your skin. We’ll start by identifying things that are bad for you skin. One skin health assassin is ultraviolet (UV) light. UV light is important for many functions. It’s required by our bodies to produce vitamin D and prevent horrible conditions such as rickets. However, UV light causes damage to DNA and consequently skin.

Here are 7 tween healthy skin tips to keep your tween’s skin on the right track.

Tip #1: Avoid unnecessary UV light exposure.

Tip #2: Wear a broad-spectrum protection sunscreen everyday—even on cloudy days. - Read More »

So, your child is now at the age at which she is solely responsible for her hygiene. She’s not a baby anymore, but she isn’t quite a teenager either. One question you may ask is “What is a good approach to tween skin care?” The answers are not as simple as you would think. Tweens don’t want to use baby skin care products and are too young to use harsh acne products made for teens and adults.

 The first step is to cover the basics: make sure that your tween is actually cleansing her skin twice a day, in the first place. The second step is to ensure that you have chosen the right product for tween skin care. The right product is going to be free from harsh chemicals, to prevent skin irritation. One ingredient to avoid for tween skin is salicylic acid. Although marketed widely, it is too drying for young skin and can cause the skin to become unbalanced, resulting in dry patches and flaking. - Read More »

Dermatologists and pediatricians agree that tween skin is probably the best skin we will ever have in our lives. Depressing? Yes, but there is a way to extend the best skin period. When children are babies, we smother them with a barrage of baby products to soothe, moisturize, and protect their baby skin. Then when they become tweens and start taking care of themselves, there aren’t any products made for them to soothe, moisturize and protect their skin and hair.

Medical professionals agree that while makeup for this age group could be damaging to their skin, using age-appropriate formulas in facial beauty products could help to build good hygiene habits. Products with gentle formulas that cleanse, moisturize and protect skin are a positive start to a life-long habit of good hygiene and good healthy skin.

Whatever age girls start puberty, it is never too early to get them started on good hygiene. daily - Read More »

A tween skin care moisturizer must be formulated differently from adult moisturizers. Most adults’ skin is often dry, losing elasticity, and developing signs of aging. The moisturizer that is appropriate to address these effects in adult skin is most often too strong or lacking age-appropriate formulas for young tween skin. Even if a young girl wants to be just like her mom, it is not beneficial—and may be harmful—for her to use her mother’s facial moisturizers. Tween skin is unique. Its special needs include gentle cleansing, light nourishing, to maintain its soft and supple texture, and daily sunscreen protection.

Many adult formulas contain parabens, phthalates, and minerals. Collagen, an ingredient found in many adult moisturizers to help heal damaged skin and prevent aging, is not appropriate for young, sensitive skin. These creams and lotions may clog and increase the size of tweens’ - Read More »

Acne is the inevitable enemy of youth. Between the ages of seven and fourteen, most girls will develop skin blemishes as their bodies begin the process of puberty. Zits leave their victims feeling self-conscious and uncertain about their image. However, there are choices in how girls can address blemishes---before they begin to happen. Positive skin care beauty tips tweens should take into consideration will help them to endure puberty while protecting their skin for the future, keeping it looking fresh and healthy for their whole lives.

1. No matter what product you use, never succumb to the urge to pick blemishes. Picking and popping zits leads to scarring. Picking is also a main cause of enlarged pores, which then lead to worse and more pervasive acne problems.

2. Developing a daily cleansing routine is key to preventing blemishes and nourishing skin. Tweens who have the discipline to wash their faces , - Read More »

There are many reasons why I love my Mom. She is kind, generous, and a great listener. Another reason? She has amazing skin! I am hoping that I inherited those genes, because her skin is still flawless and beautiful. Fortunately, I didn't have many inherited skin issues as a teenager but my Mom instilled good hygiene and taught me to protect my skin. Now that I have two daughters, I want to do the same for them.

Apparently, I am not alone! Deborah Hernan, a mother of a tween girl and former executive with Revlon, noticed the lack of products to promote skin care and personal hygiene for girls ages 7-14. So, like any SuperMom would do, she created a natural skin and hair care line, Ottilie & Lulu, in 2009. Her product line took off quickly and grabbed the attention of Seventeen Magazine's Style Blog and Discovery Girls and the rest is history!

I was very excited to receive two items, - Read More »

Ottilie & Lulu is an online site that markets products directed toward tween aged girls to help promote healthy skin, and hair regimens. Are you aware that 80% of the damage done to skin happens by the age of 17? Well, Ottilie & Lulu creates safe products to help young girls feel and look good. All of their products are formulated specially for girls ages 7-14 years, and contain special, gentle formulations of anti-oxidants, botanicals, and vitamins. All of their products are dermatologist, allergy, and clincally tested. Do not worry--they do not test on animals!

It is important for young girls(tweens) to keep up with a daily hygiene regimen: washing thier hair, keeping their face clean, showering, moisturizing their skin and protecting their delicate skin from harmful sun rays. That is where Ottilie & Lulu comes in...they offer Face, Body, Sun Protection, and gifts that can be on - Read More »

As we move into the second half of May, I feel the need to put on my track shoes. It's not for my occasional jog, but for the sprint I do between now and the end of June. School is almost over, but the calendar is filled with recitals, moving up ceremonies, theater performances, innumerable birthday parties, and the end of year parties. And then camp or summer homes and vacations are on the horizon, and the need to get everything and everybody ready. I do feel as though we are blessed with some kind of extra energy at this time of year--or perhaps it's just because of daylight savings time. Whatever it is--I'll take it!

My tween is going to her first sleep away camp this summer. My husband and I are much more traumatized about this than she is, but if she is ready to spread her wings a bit, we want to give her the opportunity to build her independence. But oh, the preparations: Medical forms, dental -, - Read More »

The other day I overheard my daughter asking her father what they were doing for Mother's Day. I smiled to myself and my heart just puffed up. Whether she knows it or not, my daughter moved from the mother/child stage into the mother/daughter stage. She became one of us--a nurturing, caring (young) woman. Whether she draws me a picture, composes a new song, or picks out some flowers, I know she does it with a different sensibility than she did when she was 5 or 6. And while my daughter has much to accomplish and learn in life before becoming a mother, I am always amazed at the natural, nurturing instinct of women.

I think that back in 1914 when Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the second Sunday in May should honor mothers, he had a noble goal in his heart. But honoring Mothers is only half of the equation. Mothers love Mother's Day not for the recognition, but for their children. Mothers with infants and small - Read More »

Tweens and make up are a popular conversation in the media. Ever since Walmart and Hello Kitty introduced their new tween cosmetics, even Jay Leno is participating in the dialogue. But the conversation is veering far from where it needs to be. It should not be about make up, and it should certainly not be about anti-aging. The conversation should be about healthy skin.

In the past two weeks I have spoken about tween skin with a number of mothers, a dermatologist, and a pediatrician. The overall consensus from all three groups is that tween girls ARE beautiful: just look at our girls' faces. The challenge is to focus this conversation on healthy skin and how to help tweens keep it.

Keeping skin healthy is simple: daily cleansing, moisturizing and protecting--ideally with products formulated for young girls' skin. No , no - Read More »

Now that the summer sun has started to fade, it's a good time to take a good look at your hair. Has the summer dried it out or made it more oily than ususal? Get rid of those chlorine or salt water split ends. Make an appointment for your fall trim or try a new hair cut.

While girls always love long hair, actress Carey Mulligan's new short hair is the fashion look of the season. Long or short, curly or straight be sure your hair looks healthy and vibrant. Bring your hair back into balance with Ottilie & Lulu Feel Good Shampoo & Body Wash and Shiny Silky Detangler & Conditioner. You will love the way these products make your hair look and feel--and the delicious scent of wild mint makes you feel refreshed. Long or short, curly or stright--bring out your inner Rapunzel.

How much sunscreen should you apply? What amount is too little, or too much? Studies show that most people apply only 20 to 50 percent of the recommended amount of sunscreen.

At Ottilie & Lulu we want to make sure tween girls know all they can about sunscreen--how important is is to apply sunscreen daily, how frequently to apply it--and how much to apply. Let's talk about the amount of sunscreen you should be applying. And let's start with your nose. Do you use just a dot? Well, you should be using a heaping teaspoon of sunscreen--just on your nose! For the delicate skin on your face and neck, you should be applying a heaping tablespoon of sunscreen. And for your body measure out the amount you can squeeze into a shot glass. This might sound like a lot of sunscreen, but it isn't. In fact, these measurements are the minimum you should use to maximize protection from the sun.

Having a sunscreen that - Read More »

As I sit here thinking about our first year, I smile when I think about about all of the great emails I have received from tweens and their moms. Whether it's the "life-changing" Shiny Silky Detangler & Conditioner, the "fantastically smooth" Everyday Moisturizer & Sunscreen SPF 20, the "best-ever" Face Wipes, the "I love shampooing in the shower" Feel Good Shampoo & Body Wash, or the "relaxing" Body Glow, the feedback from everyone has been terrific. So, a big "Thank You" to all our Ottilie & Lulu fans. And to show our appreciation, we are offering our 1st Anniversary Special. The product that every tween girl should keep in every bag she carries: our Everyday Moisturizer & Sunscreen SPF 20. When you buy 1--you get 1 Free! That's an $18.00 Savings on the best thing you can do for your face everyday--moisturize and apply sunscreen. We have a lot of other great surprises coming this April. Pretty soon - Read More »

Have you noticed lately that when your tween looks in the mirror (any mirror!), she is usually checking out her hair? She is also probably starting to comment on your hair and talks about the way her friends are wearing their hair.

Hair specialists say that at this age, our children have the highest number of hair follicles producing hair. This is also when their pigment-producing cells have started working although are not fully mature, so their hair color will likely get darker as they become teenagers.

I share this because I am looking for a reason that it is suddenly all about tween hair care.  This is not bad news, in fact it’s that independence we all keep fostering and, well, part of growing up.

Have you noticed the satisfaction your tween daughter has when she creates her own hair style? After years of you doing her hair, she now has the confidence and the to - Read More »

Have you taken your daughter to the theater lately? Yes, there are some fabulous Broadway shows if you have the budget. But there are also some really great alternatives that provide fun entertainment at a fraction of the price.

One of my favorites is TADA! Youth Theater.  From now through February 15, TADA! is performing B.O.T.C.H., a most enjoyable musical where you and your daughter meet artistic rats, dancing mummies, and the kids of B.O.T.C.H. who lurk under the New York City subway system.  Last weekend my tween daughter and I joined 2 of her friends with their mothers to see this show.

The performers range from ages 8 to 17 and come from all 5 boroughs, plus, New Jersey.  The play is from the book and lyrics of Jon Agee, a popular playwright and lyricist.  The smokey, jazz music is by Daniel Feigelson, and choreography by Joanna Greer.  , - Read More »

It seems the birthday party season has arrived with a vengeance.  And while birthday celebrations come throughout the year, planning for a birthday party and shopping for a tween gift seems just a bit more stressful in the pre-holiday season.  Finding a free Saturday or Sunday on which to host a party between now and the holiday break is next to impossible.  If your community is similar to mine, we have found shared birthday celebrations to be a great answer.  Shared birthdays are great time savers and provide learning opportunities about giving and tween gifts.  Of course being able to share birthday celebration costs is also a bonus!

We’ve found the ideal number for sharing tween birthday celebrations to be bewteen 2 and 4 birthday girls.  If each of the birthday girls invites 5 to 7 friends, you have a nice crowd for the birthday celebration.  Since the common - Read More »

Ah, fall is here.  Everywhere tween girls are reaching for their new sweaters and boots.  If your daughters are anything like mine, nothing from last year fits.  So a new jewel-colored beret, bright-colored gloves without fingertips, and Uggs have replaced faded bathing suits, flip flops and t-shirts.

At Ottilie & Lulu, we think tween girls should also be reaching for a great all-over body lotion, too.  Trading hot, humid days for dry, cold air and lots of time spent in heated rooms will affect a girl's skin.  You may not think tween girls need to worry about dry skin at this age, but environmental stress affects all of us, and tween girls face their own unique skin challenges.  While we Moms are trying to replenish lost moisture for our older skin, our daughters need to start good Read More »

February is a great time to check up on your tween's dental health. Girls with healthy teeth chew food easily, speak clearly, and smile with confidence. Brushing twice daily and flossing before bed are the early grooming habits that become a critical part of our daughters' life-long beauty habits.  If your dentist is like ours, she will ask your daughter a lot of questions about her eating habits, the beverages she drinks, the snacks she enjoys, what, if anything she drinks before bed, and the vitamins she takes.  I do love our dentist because she reinforces the consumption habits we endorse.  Protein and vegetables are great.  Water, great.  Avoid soda and limit or water-down juices.  Energy bars and candy are not good snacks.  Fruits are better.  With Valentines' Day approaching, dark chocolate is much better than milk chocolate.  Gummie vitamins have a lot of sugar; chewables are .& - Read More »

Okay, winter has hit with a vengeance. Having just returned from sunny, warm, California, I can see why Californians have sympathy for us, but don't want to be us ( New Yorkers).

While we were there, my family spent a relaxing morning at the La Quinta Resort and Spa. It's quite lovely there, and they offer  select spa treatments for young girls.  Since this was the holidays, my daughter got a short treatment as a special treat. But no matter the location, we all have our rituals for fighting winter blues–and winter skin.   For ourselves, we apply lots of moisturizers to our faces and bodies; we try to use oil-based shower gels; and when possible, we soak in baths to replenish moisture loss from cold, heat, and/or dryness.  Anything so we do not have to look at those fish scales on our arms and legs!

Our tween girls suffer from the - Read More »

I have been doing a few in-store events this past week. Ottilie & Lulu has been performing in-store facials by appointment at select stores around the Tri-State area (NY-NJ-CT).  I love being in-store because I get to talk to girls and their moms.  And during my one-on-one time with tween girls, they tell me their top gift picks for this holiday season.

But before I share the girls’ wish list, I have to tell you about one of the best stores I have had the opportunity to be in. For those in the Tri-State area, this will not be a surprise:  Marcia’s Attic for Kids in Englewood, New Jersey.  They carry classic and trendy styles  up to age 14.  Their personal service is absolutely amazing.  I will share more about them in another blog, but let’s go back to top Tweens’ Top Holiday Picks.

Top of their wish list?  The Nintendo DSI in - Read More »

Your tween probably has a lot of holiday parties and celebrations coming up over the next several weeks. Inevitably your daughter will ask if she can wear (some type of) make up.  What will you answer?  Well, what and how you answer depends on your tweens’ age and whether or not you are willing to be her make-up artist.

The age range for tweens is anywhere from 7 to 14.  If your tween daughter is on the young side of this age range (7-10), I think it appropriate to suggest a light, natural-shade lip balm or gloss.  Avoid any foundation, blush, eye make-up-especially glitter (does anyone at any age look good in glitter make up?)  Young girls certainly don’t, and it irritates their skin. Use this opportunity to establish your credentials as an authority on beauty and demonstrate your willingness to be helpful in this area.  Before she starts to apply lip gloss, - Read More »

One of the things I enjoy doing between the week of Christmas and New Year’s is reviewing Top 10 Lists.  You know the lists I mean–almost every magazine title has their writers assemble these year-end lists.  Time.com does a good job.

I enjoy these lists because they remind me of some of the highs and lows that have taken place in the past 12 months; sometimes the lists call to my attention some of the things I’ve totally missed this year.  From best movies, best performances, best fiction, best non-fiction, best (and worst) fashion outings, to buzz words, etc. these lists are a flash of the past. 

As parents we have all been inundated with best toys, games, books, and movies lists since the beginning of December.  These lists were  created more for the purpose of guiding holiday , - Read More »

One of the activities I have come to really enjoy during the holiday season is the sending and receiving of holiday cards with photos. But, enjoying this activity is only a recent phenomen for me.  And, yes, it has everything to do with my daughter. 

When I was growing up my parents and their friends wouldn’t think of putting their children’s photos on holiday cards.  It was considered egotistical and gauche.  Perhaps those were the reasons why it took me so long to warm to this activity.  Some families may still consider photo holiday cards inappropriate, but I have become a convert. 

In fact, I have come to really love this part of the holidays.  In our family we celebrate both Christmas and Chanukah, so we send cards with our daughter’s photo on them to all of our friends.  And we look forward to receiving photo cards from we & - Read More »

Lots of Moms have a love/hate relationship with Thanksgiving. We know there is something really wonderful and special in being able to have our family around us. We take pride in preparing a great meal to be shared by those we care about.  We love the warmth the day brings to our hearts.  What don’t we like? The shopping, the hours of chopping, cooking, traveling, and just being so incredibly busy right up to when the dinner is on the table.  And it all goes by so fast! 

Our tweens watch us as we make our preparations, and they even help.  This year my 7-year old decided she wanted to contribute to the family meal with her special dessert-a vanilla pudding pie.  As I watched her stirring the pudding pot, we talked about Thanksgiving and what it means to us.  She gave me her ‘historical’ perspective.  She told me about the Indians and the Pilgrims and what they ate - Read More »

I read there is a new fashion doll being introduced this season and being targeted at the primary school set.  My stomach turned. Yes, I owned the ubiquitious Barbie Dolls (Ken, too) when I was growing up, and I do not get crazy when my tween daughter gets one as a gift.  However, I will admit to placing it under her other dolls hoping she does not find it. Do I really think curvaceous dolls will influence her  standards of beauty?  To some degree, yes.  I think all tween girls aspire to be beautiful just as their dolls are beautiful.  If we are really honest with ourselves, we know our dolls had an impact on our beauty standards.  That’s why it is critical to provide tweens with a context and a healthy plan to coincide with these aspirations. 

Sorry, I need to spend a few more words on what I find most troubling with some of the dolls I - Read More »

Welcome to Ottilie & Lulu, a skin and hair care line specially formulated for tween girls.  Does your daughter know how to wash her face?  Does she wash her face at least twice a day?  Does she know how to apply sun screen?  Have you shared with her that taking care of her skin today will enhance her natural beauty and help her to have better skin when she is your age?  If she is anything like many of the tweens I interviewed before I created Ottilie & Lulu, the answer is probably, “no.”

Girls, ages 7 to 14, face their own unique skin and hair challenges.  Whether or not she has started asking you about your beauty products or your make up, now is the ideal time to introduce an easy, daily hygiene regime.

So how do mothers introduce good skin and hair care to their tween daughters?  We demonstrate our own daily hygiene regime, - Read More »