Each year, QVC allows customers to weigh in on their favorite brands, products and innovations in beauty with their Customer Choice Awards. And, this year, Mally Beauty has been nominated for ten categories! Mally Beauty has some truly innovative makeup such as the Perfect Prep Poreless primer and one of my fave mascaras Beauty Volumizing Mascara.
Have you voted for the Customer Choice Awards yet? To vote for Mally products, the entire list of categories and product nominations below:
Dr. Scholl’s® For Her High Heel Insoles ($9.99 average price)
Whether you’re looking for insoles for your favorite heels or flats, or anti-friction products to help prevent shoe rubbing and blisters, the Dr. Scholl’s® For Her line has a solution for you. The entire collection enables you to enjoy the things you want to do – not just the things you need to do – by enhancing foot comfort.
Dr. Scholl’s® For Her High Heel Insoles are clinically proven to help prevent foot pain caused by wearing high heels 2” or higher. They offer immediate, long-lasting comfort and an ultra-soft gel arch to shift pressure off the ball of your foot. They’re proven to improve the way you feel in heels!
Although I don’t wear high heels everyday, I am excited to use these in my fall high heel boots. They are so much more comfortable with the insoles and I will be able to wear them longer!
I received this product complimentary for testing and review purposes from Influenster. Influenster is a great site where you can receive great products to test and review. Let me know if you would like to join in the comments with your email address and I will send you an invite!
• Super-flexible bristles work with the hair, not against it
• Lightweight for less fatigue
• Easy grip sides for better control
• Dual size design for small or medium hands
To achieve this wavy look, I let my hair air dry, brushing it with the Tangle Fix every so often to smooth it down. I dried smooth and wavy and very pretty with the help of the Tangle Fix!
I received this product complimentary for testing and review purposes from Influenster. Influenster is a great site where you can receive great products to test and review. Let me know if you would like to join in the comments with your email address and I will send you an invite!
lay Fresh Effects {Shine, Shine Go Away!} ($6.99 USD) — lay Fresh Effects {Shine, Shine Go Away!} Shine Minimizing Cleanser delivers a deep, down-to-the-pores clean, to minimize shine – even after you leave the sink! Made for the 24/7 chica-on-the-go, this refreshingly fruity and floral scented rinse has all the purifying power of a mask with the fresh feel of a daily cleanser.
Olay Fresh Effects {Shine, Shine Go Away!} Shine Minimizing Cleanser refreshes skin and minimizes shine leaving it day and night ready! Add this cleanser to your morning regimen for a deep clean and a refreshing scent experience. Benefits include:
Removes 2x more dirt, oil and makeup vs. basic cleansing
Formulated with Kaolin Clay, this cleanser lifts away impurities and helps minimize shine
Deep cleansing action for a fresher feel
This does live up to its name as it makes my skin feel so fresh and it makes the shine go away! I make sure I wet my skin before I apply and it gives a great lather that rinses away clean. I like to use it day and night. It removes my makeup and gets my skin ready for my serums and moisturizers.
I received this product complimentary for testing and review purposes from Influenster. Influenster is a great site where you can receive new products to test and review. Let me know if you would like to join in the comments with your email address and I will send you an invite!
NYC New York Color Sparkle Eye Dust Eye Shadow ($2.99) is available in 10 glamorous shades. Dazzling sparkle adds a dramatic, light-catching appearance to the eye. The dust contains emollient ingredients for a soft, silky feel.
Light reflecting properties provide a dazzling sparkle and luminous appearance
The soft, silky powder is effortlessly blended to provide adjustable color coverage and intensity
I am really impressed with this shadow! It goes on smoothly and has great pigmentation. I have it in Smoky Topaz (above) and you can wear it lightly or apply layers to build the color to a deep, shimmering chocolate brown.
The applicator is a wand. I usually dot the product on my eyes and blend it in with a brush, but if you want a very pigmented look, swipe the applicator over your lid. Drama!
I received this product complimentary for testing and review purposes from Influenster. Influenster is a great site where you can receive great products to test and review. Let me know if you would like to join in the comments with your email address and I will send you an invite!
Fall is literally just weeks away. I have been testing out many products including cleansers, anti-aging elixirs, SPF and CC creams.
I love how there are so many great price points for skin care (as shown below), you can find something that will help prepare your skin for the cooler months ahead:
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash ($5.49) –Oil-Free Acne Wash is the #1 dermatologist recommended acne-fighting cleanser. This oil-free formula gently cleanses deep down into pores for clear skin. It contains Salicylic Acid to get rid of acne you have now and help prevent future breakouts. Special skin soothers help prevent irritation and overdrying. Skin is left clean, residue-free and never oily.
Available at mass market retailers near you.
Burt’s Bees Sensitive Facial Cleansing Towelettes
Burt’s Bees Sensitive Facial Cleansing Towelettes ($6 USD) — These pre-moistened towelettes will not only make your beauty routine easier but they are the perfect essential to looking good.
Throw them in your weekend bag and you will be set for your getaway. Burt’s Bees Sensitive Facial Cleansing Towelettes ($6.00 burtsbees.com) remove makeup, cleanse and tone your skin all in one easy step. These wipes are also formulated with Cotton Extract to soften skin while cleansing.
Precision MD Celfix DNA Youth Recovery Facial Serum
Precision MD Celfix DNA Youth Recovery Facial Serum ($78 USD) – includes antioxidants that defend against free radicals and Hyaluronic Acid to moisturize the skin. Helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles -Addresses past damage and prevents future signs of aging -Great for all skin types -Contains 3 powerful enzymes for optimal efficacy -It is delivered in a light, non-greasy formula that you’ll love.
Osmotics Cream Extreme Intensive Repair ($75 USD) — A healthy barrier is essential to a healthy and glowing complexion. I designed this rich, nourishing moisturizer featuring Osmotics’ proprietary combination of natural lipids to moisturize and strengthen your skin’s protective barrier and virtually eliminate the underlying cause of dry skin–dramatically improving moisture retention, while alleviating dryness and irritation.
Coola Mineral SPF 20 Rose Essence Tint ($36 USD) — Keep the sun and environment at bay with this SPF 20 broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen, a tinted, light Rose scented, Titanium Dioxide based formula (for those who are Zinc sensitive) made with 98% natural ingredients. Organic Acai Oil – high in Omegas-3/6/9, Vitamins B1/2/3, plus antioxidant Vitamins C and E – delivers a powerful defense against aging. Organic Sunflower Seed Extract promotes elasticity while organic Linseed Oil, containing Alpha-Linolenic Acids, reduces redness and irritation. The phyto-protector Plankton Extract rejuvenates, as organic Cucumber Extract calms skin.
Amarte Natural Finish BB Cream Light Texture ($49 USD: This finely pigmented moisturizing face tint brightens, softly conceals and protects with SPF 36, providing uniform coverage without caking or flaking for a long lasting, natural glow. In Light and Dark.
Lumene Time Freeze Anti-Aging CC Cream ($14.99 USD). This fabulous 6 in 1 color correcting cream is infused with Wild Arctic Lingonberry and SPF 20. It helps moisturize, cover imperfections, even skin tone and protect against signs of aging all in one. It comes in 2 shades, light and medium.
I was sent this wonderful July Blush Mystery Beauty Box to Review for my honest opinion. What is the Blush Mystery Beauty Box, you ask? From the website:
Monthly Beauty Picks Delivered Straight to Your Door!
Love beauty products? Join the club to sample the latest and greatest products in skin care, hair care and makeup handpicked by a team of beauty pros!
Each month, we’ll be offering a different blush Mystery Beauty Box, featuring mostly full- and (some) travel-size products worth at least $100.
Products are handpicked by our panel of beauty experts, so you know you’re getting only the best.
Enjoy a Free Gift with your Beauty
The Mystery Beauty Box is only $34.95 (a $100+ value!), or as low as $24.95 with monthly subscription.
Here is a peak inside of my July box! I know it’s August, but I was very happy to receive this awesome bag full of goodies! I received:
Philip B. Self Adjusting Hair Spray– ($22 for 5.07 fl. oz, full-sized) — Gives you touchable, adjustable hold – never sticky or tacky. Enriched with Panthenol (Vitamin B5) and Phytantriol (Amino Acids) to strengthen and condition your hair while adding body and shine. Doubles as a fantastic root volumizer.
What I think: I love how the more you use, the stronger hold that you get, but it never makes the hair stiff. Available at www.philipb.com.
Lumene Vitamin C+ Pure Radiance 24H Lotion ($20 for 1.7 fl. oz. full-sized) — Natural radiance & detox for brighter skin! Refreshing lotion invigorates and balances the skin’s functions. The lotion leaves a matte surface on the skin. Regular use normalizes sebum production and helps to reduce the appearance of pores.
Arctic cloudberry seed oil, which is bursting with natural antioxidants, protects the skin from stress factors. The detox properties of cloudberry nectar help to make the skin look brighter and more radiant. Ideal for women especially 25+ who are in the middle of the “rush years”. Ideal for normal to combination skin. Paraben-free. Synthetic colorant-free: the colour of the cream comes from cloudberry. Product contains over 90 % natural ingredients.
What I think: This is a really nice lotion! I love the 24 hours, but I would love it more if it had SPF. It does give the skin a nice glow. Learn more at www.lumene.com and it can be found at mass market retailers near you!
Bioelements Quick Refiner – (.25 oz Value $3.83, $46 for 3 oz) – Eliminates dead surface cells, uncovers smoother, softer skin, targets the appearance of pores and used once a day will last almost 4 months!
What I think: This really makes my skin smooth! It is also unscented, which I really like. This is a good-sized sample, because you don’t need a lot. Available at www.bioelements.com
Hydroxatone AM/PM Anti-Wrinkle Complex SPF 15 ($50 for .5 oz) – By employing the most advanced beauty research technology, Hydroxatone products conclusively deliver rapid, safe and long-term visible results. AM/PM Anti-Wrinkle Complex SPF 15 is a unique moisturizer specifically designed to increase skin hydration and soften the appearance of visible wrinkles by helping the skin stimulate the production of collagen. Increased collagen produces a long-term reduction in visible wrinkles, crow’s feet, and facial lines. Your multi-functional anti-aging powerhouse and moisturizer in one! Hydroxatone is formulated for all skin types, both women and men, and all ethnicities.
What I think: I haven’t tried this yet, but I have always wanted to try Hydroxatone, so I am really excited about it. I also think it is a great item to find in the bag! Available at www.ulta.com and www.hydroxatone.com.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Glow Pad ($18 for 10 pads) — Alpha Beta Glow Pads provide a radiant, sun kissed glow year-round, without exposure to the sun’s harmful UVA/UVB rays. Formulated with the sun vitamin, Active Vitamin D, these pads give the face believable, natural color.
What I think: I have tried one of these and I love the natural color you get. Also, it is not smelly (lots of self tanners are). Available at Sephora stores and www.qvc.com.
Deborah Lippmann 3D Holographic Luxurious Nail Color in Ray of Light ($19 USD, full-sized) – This is an indigo jelly polish with a little copper red holographic glitter.
What I think: VERY pretty! This is the first thing that I tried on when I received the bag. I love blue polishes and think that this is perfect for fall! Avaialbe at beauty.com and other fine beauty stores.
Emani Organic Lip Shine in Blush ($16 full-sized) — Cover your lips with spectacular color. EMANI Organic Lip Shine is a long-wearing formula that enhances lips without leaving a sticky finish. Fruit oils and vitamin E moisturize to maintain a pout that’s soft and in kissable condition.
What I think: I love that this is organic. The shade is so pretty too, and it is very moisturizing. Available at blush.com
I believe this awesome July 2013 Blush Mystery Beauty Box had almost $150 worth of products in it! Such a great deal! I highly recommend the Blush Mystery Beauty Box! Visit www.blush.com to sign up.
I was so lucky to received this excellent box of goodies from Beauty Box 5 for my honest review!
Beauty Box 5 ($12 per month, free shipping) is a subscription-based, beauty sampling program that delivers a box filled with 4-5 cosmetic samples to your door every month. Aimed at introducing women to new cosmetic products and educating them on best practices, Beauty Box 5 scours the market to find the best products for your lifestyle.
These are the products (the August 2013) box that I received:
Bask Heavenly Silk Daily Skin Lotion ($2.49 for 2 oz, $19.95 for 22 oz) — Packed with vitamins, plant extracts and antioxidants, this “heavenly” moisturizer provides anti-aging and firming benefits all while keeping your skin looking and feeling soft and smooth.
What I think: I like this lotion a lot. It has a fresh scent and is very moisturizing. I am traveling to Oregon tomorrow to see my mom, and it is the perfect size to take with me.
Be a Bombshell Eye Shadow in Birthday Suit ($14 USD) — These highly pigmented, long-lasting shadows will bring out the Bombshell in you…especially since you can use them wet AND dry!
What I think: This was a full-sized item, very cool! This shade is a nude buff with a matte finish and is great for base color or for highlighting. I have been wearing it under brighter shadows as it evens my skin tone and gives a smooth canvas.
H2O Plus Aquafirm+ Micro-Collagen Moisturizer ($50 1.7 oz) — Apply this nutrient-packed moisturizer day and night after cleansing to promote collagen production and visibly fight fine lines and loss of firmness.
What I think: I haven’t tried this yet, but plan to take it with me to Oregon tomorrow. I have tried a lot of H2O skincare products and have really liked the results I have received from them!
Nubar Nail Lacquer in Hot Pink — Fabulousness is just fingernails away with these cruelty free, vegan nail polishes.
What I think: This is not a color I would use, but my 9-year-old loves it! I had never heard of this brand and really love that the polishes are cruelty free!
Swissco Nail File ($1.50) — Who doesn’t need a new nail file? Do you have one for your purse yet? Use this handy nail file to prep your nails for your Nubar nail lacquer.
What I think: This is a fun nail file, but may be a bit large for many purses. I will leave this at home with my nail polish to shape my nails before I polish!
I really enjoyed this box! For the price of $12, you get 5 deluxe or full-sized products and get to try something new. Visit http://beautybox5.com/ to sign up. Enjoy!
I have a BIG Fall makeup post today! I have recently received some fab new fall makeup to try out. I have made a list of my 10 fave items from 5 stellar brands: Laura Mercier, tarte, Pur Minerals, Laura Geller and It Cosmetics:
tarte Amazonian clay full coverage airbrush foundation
1. tarte Amazonian clay full coverage airbrush foundation ($36 USD) — Introducing the latest addition to the Amazonian clay foundation line for total complexion perfection! Amazonian clay full coverage airbrush foundation delivers flawless, natural-looking coverage that lasts, while the skintuitive™ formula invigorates skin tone and texture for a youthful complexion. Powered by Amazonian clay enriched with the Earth’s natural, light-reflecting gemstones, this moisture-rich powder buffs on smoothly for waterproof, 12-hour coverage that won’t settle into fine lines and wrinkles. Available in 11 shades to perfectly compliment a wide range of skin tones and undertones, this innovative foundation also employs a custom mesh delivery system for a fool-proof, mess-free application every time.
What I think: If you are looking for a natural coverage foundation that is good for you, this is the perfect one! I buff it on with tarte’s Airbuki Foundation Brush. It covers red spots and imperfections but really looks just like your own skin! And it is so fast to apply!
2. Laura Geller CC Cream Compact w/ SPF 25 ($35 USD) So many benefits–just one compact! This antiaging compact creme foundation helps even out your complexion with a color-correcting peach swirl–but it doesn’t stop there. Boasting conditioning ingredients, the weightless formula also helps to protect against sun damage and prevent the look of lines, wrinkles, and sun spots. From Laura Geller. More info:
0.37-oz CC Creme Compact Color Correcting Swirl Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 25
Sponge
Light: very fair or fair to light skin tones
Medium: light to medium skin tones
Tan: light olive skin to lightly tanned skin
Made in Italy/Korea
What I think: I have lots of BB, CC and even a DD liquid foundation, but this is my first CC crème contact. I am testing this in light, and really enjoy it for a full coverage look. I apply this with my BeautyBlender and it goes on perfectly. So smooth and pretty, it really evens out my skin tone.
3. Laura Mercier Baked Eye Colour in Mystical ($23 USD) — An innovative wet/dry Eye Colour formula featuring Baked technology in beautiful shades that last all day. Magical and Mystical are limited edition shades included in the new Dark Spell collection.
What I think: Black smoky eyes are hot again this fall. This shadow has a little sparkle in it and is perfect for a night out. Really great color payoff as well.
4. Laura Geller INKcredible Gel Eyeliner Pencil ($20 USD) — INKcredible Waterproof Gel Eyeliner Pencil is waterproof glide-on color stays put from day to night, delivering powerful, vibrant, multi-dimensional color.
Benefits:
– Precision tip allows for even application.
– Highly pigmented formula stays vibrant all day.
– Super soft means no pulling or skipping during application.
4 colors: Purple Rain, Blue Jean Baby, Teal Waters and After Midnight.
What I think: I have always been a fan on Laura Geller’s pencil eyeliners. I have been using this in Purple Rain. It is a gorgeous shimmering shade of purple. This is a very soft pencil, so make sure that you don’t press too hard (like I did). You could lose the point. But, it does last all day and all shades are gorgeous for fall!
5. Purminerals Big Blink Mascara ($20 USD) Fake a full night’s sleep with Pür Minerals Big Blink Mascara. Fortified with Argan Oil, Big Blink nourishes lashes for stronger, fuller eyelashes that are less likely to break or fallout. The clump-resistant wand easily glides over the lashes for an even application and coats the hard-to-reach inner corners for a complete set of luscious lashes.
What I think: This mascara gives great volume and keeps lashes healthy at the same time! The thing I love most about this mascara is that my lashes don’t get sticky and lumpy after I apply it. It looks fresh all day. This has a hard plastic brush which really separates the lashes.
6. tarte lights, camera, flashes™ statement mascara ($23 USD) — Take your lashes to the extreme with this ultra-black mascara that lengthens, curls and magnifies for an intensified look proven to increase lash volume by 752% instantly!
Take your sultry, flashy lashes to the extreme with this amped up, ultra-black mascara that lengthens, curls and magnifies lashes for an intensified look proven to increase lash volume by 752% instantly! Powered by tarte’s proprietary triple black complex, this longwear, vitamin-infused formula emphasizes length and volume while conditioning lashes for a dramatic look that won’t dry out, flake or budge.
The custom-engineered, dual-molded brush boosts even the skinniest lashes for an exaggerated, voluminous look. First, the shorter, denser side of the brush delivers the optimal amount of mascara to volumize and coat each lash perfectly, then the longer, firmer side of the brush lengthens and separates for maximum volume without clumping.
What I think: This is currently my favorite mascara. I use the longer side first so that when I apply it I won’t get lumpy lashes, then the short side for more volume, but you can play with it to see the perfect application for you. And boy, the results! My short, stubby lashes looks so long and lush! Awesome!
7. Pur Minerals Lip Gloss Stick ($15 USD) A bold lip makes a statement and pulls the look together quickly. Loaded with rich emollients and vitamin E, these buttery smooth sticks condition lips as they color for a smoother, softer pout with each application. Slick on the richly pigmented, bold color of a Pür Minerals Lip Gloss Stick available in fall’s hottest shades including: Coralline – a juicy coral, Game Day – our signature classic red, Daredevil – a punchy light red and Spiked Punch – sheer hot pink.
What I think: I have this in an older color called Honey Pie (above), which is a perfect neutral for fall. The stick itself is very moisturizing on the lips and leaves a soft, glossy finish. Very nice!
It Cosmetics Vitality Lip Blush™ Hydrating Gloss Stain
8. It Cosmetics Vitality Lip Blush™ Hydrating Gloss Stain ($24 USD) — Stay hydrated in the summer heat with the new IT Cosmetics Vitality Lip Blush Hydrating Gloss Stain which is infused with nine butter and oils that will pamper your lips without that giving them that sticky feeling. This lightweight serum repairs and protect while offering a beautiful pigmented shine. Available in four shades, Inspiring Red is the one shown.
What I think: The mixture of a stain and a moisturizing gloss is genius — soft lips and color that lasts all day! I always love It Cosmetics products because of the wonderful quality and skincare benefits. Very luxe.
9. Laura Mercier Lip Plumper in Charmed ($30 USD) — Lips look visibly fuller, healthier, sexier with a dose of colour and high-definition shine.
What I think: I have a lot of Laura Mercier glosses, but this is the first lip plumper I have tried from the brand. It does not sting, but does plump well and is not sticky! I am testing a limited edition color called Charmed. It is a light peach sheer color and is gorgeous, perfect with the hot black smoky eye!
It Cosmetics Limited Edition Heavenly Luxe™ Vanity Brush Set
10. It Cosmetics Limited Edition Heavenly Luxe™ Vanity Brush Set ($39 USD) Feather your way to happiness with this 6-pc Limited Edition Heavenly Luxe Vanity Brush Set made from 100 percent Ultra Plush, Cruelty Free Bristles. The chic and innovative set is sure to give you that airbrushed finish, for makeup application on the go!
What I think: I am so loving this brush set — and what a great price for the quality! My teenage daughter has stolen most of my eye shadow brushes, so I was glad to get a couple in this kit. You also get a large powder brush, a foundation brush, and a concealer brush, along with the three eye brushes.
Add a pop of colour and a dash of pizazz to your makeup routine this fall with butter LONDON’s NEW and vibrant collection of Colour Cosmetics, launching August 1st. Never one to play by the rules, butter LONDON has worked diligently to create a dynamic collection of products that defy stereotypes and pay homage to the latest beauty and fashion trends.
The Bespoke Colour Cosmetics collection delivers the unparalleled quality and long-lasting wear you’ve come to know and love from butter LONDON’s lacquers and LIPPY’s, with a continued commitment to non-toxic, paraben-free formulas.
The Bespoke Colour Cosmetics collection introduces WINK Mascara (6 Shades, $20 each), WINK Cream Eye Shadow (6 Shades, $18 each), WINK Eye Pencil (6 Shades, $18 each), LIPPY Tinted Balm (6 Shades, $20 each), and CHEEKY Cream Blush (4 Shades, $20 each). Along with the new cosmetics, five new Nail Lacquer shades ($15 each) will also be added to butter LONDON’s famous collection of nail colour.
The collection is now available on Ulta.com and butterlondon.com.
Forty, Flirty & Fabulous 